Brussels Sprouts and Wheat Berry Slaw with Smoked Paprika Dressing

Lest you think it was all stuffing, mushroom gravy and decadent Sage & Rosemary Mashed Potatoes gracing my holiday plate, there was also something a bit healthier, Brussels Sprouts and Wheat Berry Slaw with Smoked Paprika Dressing. This dish caught my eye in the November issue of Sunset Magazine and since I had some wheat berries in my pantry I decided to make it. Although it was from an article on Thanksgiving vegan side dishes, I think it also makes a great grain salad for a winter's lunch.


Sunset says, "Instead of using currants, you could try shredding a small sweet apple into the salad. Adding wheat berries to salads like this one gives them texture and makes them even more nutritious." (I chose to add dried cranberries to my version--I like the pop of color and their sweet/tart flavor.)

Brussels Sprouts and Wheat Berry Slaw with Smoked Paprika Dressing
Recipe by Adenna Sussman, Sunset Magazine, Nov 2011
(Serves 8--Makes 7 Cups)
Time: About 1 1/2 Hours

1 cup wheat berries
About 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
About 3 tbsp. sherry vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sweet smoked Spanish paprika
3 tablespoons dried currants (I used 1/3 cup dried cranberries)
3/4 pound brussels sprouts

Bring 1 1/2 qts. water, the wheat berries, and 1/2 tsp. salt to a boil in a medium covered saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until wheat berries are tender but not mushy (some should start to burst), about 1 1/4 hours. Drain.

2. Whisk 1/2 tsp. salt, the pepper, oil, 3 tbsp. vinegar, the paprika, and currants together in a large bowl. Let stand while wheat berries cook.

3. Cut brussels sprouts into fine shreds, preferably using a food processor with a slicing disk or a mandoline. Add brussels sprouts and wheat berries to dressing mixture and toss to coat. Taste and add more salt and another splash of vinegar if you'd like. Serve immediately.

Make ahead: Through step 2 up to 1 day, chilled. Bring to room temperature.

Nutritional Information: Calories: 173, Calories from fat: 38%, Protein: 5g, Fat: 7.7g, Saturated fat: 1g, Carbohydrate: 23g, Fiber: 4.3g, Sodium: 201mg, Cholesterol: 0.0mg


Notes/Results: Once the wheat berries are cooked, this tasty salad goes together in no time--especially if you use a mandolin to shred the sprouts. The smoked sweet paprika adds great flavor to the vinaigrette and contrasts nicely with the dried cranberries. The wheat berries are nice and chewy, making this a satisfying salad or side dish and making me realize I need to cook with wheat berries more--I forgot how good they are. ;-) The recipe directions say to serve immediately, but it also tastes good cold and I'll be noshing on the leftovers for lunch. I would make this again.

What's a grain you want to cook with more often?