I cook A LOT of whole grains in the Instant Pot and use them in a variety of ways. If you are wondering How To Cook Wheat Berries In The Instant Pot, let me show you just how easy it can be! This is a hands-off method that is perfect for meal prep.
While I am using the Instant Pot, know that any pressure cooker you want to use will work.
What are wheat berries?
Wheat berries are whole, unprocessed wheat kernels that consist of the bran, germ, and endosperm. They are the entire wheat kernel before it undergoes any processing such as milling to produce flour. Wheat berries have a robust, nutty flavor and a chewy texture. They can be used as a whole grain ingredient in various dishes, similar to other whole grains like rice or barley.
Ingredients
- Wheat berries- I am using white wheat berries, but you can also use red wheat berries if you prefer, or even soft winter wheat.
- Liquid- I used water as I wanted a neutral flavor. You can also use vegetable broth, chicken broth, or beef broth.
- Salt- If your broth is salty, be sure to reduce it to just a pinch of salt.
How to make
- This cooking process could not be simpler, this step-by-step guide will answer any questions you might have.
- Start by rinsing the wheat berries. Typically when you buy them they are pre-rinsed, but I will usually give them another good rinse with cold water to ensure all the dirt and dust is removed. Add the berries, water, and salt to the pressure cooker. Secure the lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. If you like to berries to be really soft, set the cook time to 45 minutes. I like my berries to be just tender and slightly chewy- 35 minutes does that.
- Once the time is up, let the pressure cooker natural release for 10 minutes. Finish releasing the rest of the pressure with a quick release and remove the lid.
- If there is extra liquid, you can either drain it or set it to sauté and let it cook off. Either way works.
- Once it is cooked, the pressure cooker wheat berries are ready to serve.
Where to purchase wheat berries
I buy my red and white wheat berries from my local grocery store- WinCo. They have a great bulk bins section with a wide variety of whole grains.
They can also be purchased bagged in your local store or your local health food store as well, or course online.
Tips and tricks
- While I have read many people saying you need to soak the berries before cooking, with this method you don't need to. Soaked wheat berries reduce the cooking, but it is already reduced with pressure cooking.
- If you want to add additional flavor to your wheat berries, you can also add your favorite fresh herbs for cooking time. This can be rosemary, basil, oregano, etc.
- The ratio of the cups of water to the cups of wheat is lower than the stovetop cooking method as the liquid doesn't cook out. Don't add too much water or it will get mushy.
- You can easily store the leftover wheat berries for up to 10 days in an airtight container in the fridge. I keep them in stock for later use.
- If you want to freeze the cooked wheat berries, let them cool, pack them in freezer bags, and then lay them flat in the freezer for up to 3 months!
How to use cooked wheat berries
Essentially you can always use cooked wheat berries in place of rice or in any other place you like to use them. This nutty whole grain has so many uses, let me share a few with you.
- Grain Salads: Toss cooked wheat berries into salads for added texture and nutritional value. They work well in both green salads and heartier salads with vegetables, nuts, and vinaigrette.
- Grain Bowls: Use cooked wheat berries as a base for grain bowls. Top with roasted or sautéed vegetables, protein (such as grilled chicken or tofu), and your favorite sauce or dressing.
- Side Dishes: Serve cooked wheat berries as a side dish, seasoned with herbs, spices, or a drizzle of olive oil. They pair well with a variety of main courses.
- Pilaf: Create a pilaf by sautéing cooked wheat berries with onions, garlic, and other vegetables. Add broth or seasonings for extra flavor.
- Stuffed Vegetables: Use cooked wheat berries as a stuffing for vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or mushrooms. Mix them with herbs, spices, and other ingredients before baking.
- Soup or Stew Addition: Stir cooked wheat berries into soups or stews to add a hearty and chewy element to the dish.
- Breakfast Cereal and Breakfast Bowls: Enjoy cooked wheat berries as a hot breakfast cereal. Add sweeteners (maple syrup is my favorite), fruits, and nuts for flavor and texture.
Other white wheat recipes
How To Cook Wheat Berries In The Instant Pot
Let me show you how to cook wheat berries in the Instant Pot. It is such a simple process that yields perfect results.
Equipment
- 1 pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 1 cup white wheat berries or other wheat berries
- 3 cups liquid- either broth or water
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt- reduce the amount if your broth is salty.
Instructions
- This cooking process could not be simpler, this step-by-step guide will answer any questions you might have.
- Start by rinsing the wheat berries. Typically when you buy them they are pre-rinsed, but I will usually give them another good rinse with cold water to ensure all the dirt and dust is removed. Add the berries, water, and salt to the pressure cooker. Secure the lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. If you like to berries to be really soft, set the cook time to 45 minutes. I like my berries to be just tender and slightly chewy- 35 minutes does that.
- Once the time is up, let the pressure cooker natural release for 10 minutes. Finish releasing the rest of the pressure with a quick release and remove the lid.
- If there is extra liquid, you can either drain it or set it to sauté and let it cook off. Either way works.
- Once it is cooked, the pressure cooker wheat berries are ready to serve.
Video
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