Ingredients and Weight:
- 2 cups dried beans (such as kidney beans, black beans, or mixed beans)
- 1 cup wheat berries
- 2 liters water
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ham hock or vegetarian meat substitute for added flavor
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (slow cooker) or 2 hours (stove-top)
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Sort and wash beans, removing any impurities.
- In a large pot, combine beans, wheat berries, water, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, add onion, garlic, salt, oregano, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 2-4 hours or until beans are cooked and wheat berries are tender.
- If using ham hock, add it during the last hour of cooking. Remove before serving.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot with desired toppings (such as fresh herbs or croutons).
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approx. 300 per serving (depending on ingredients and toppings)
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 4g (mostly from unsaturated sources)
Dish Characteristics:
- A classic American dish with a rich and hearty flavor.
- Wheat berries add a unique texture and nutritional value.
- Can be customized with various beans and toppings.
User Comments:
- "This is a comforting dish that reminds me of home."
- "The wheat berries give the soup a unique texture that I really enjoy."
- "I added some spicy chili flakes for a kick of heat – delicious!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to use dried beans that are free from impurities and stones.
- If using a ham hock, make sure it is fully cooked before adding to the soup to avoid contamination.
- Adjust cooking time depending on the type of beans used. Some beans may require more time to cook than others.
