Tammy's Recipes

A simple but delicious hearty beef soup with wheat berries

2 cups wheat berries
3 quarts of water, approx.
1 1/2 pounds inexpensive beef roast or steak
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
2 teaspoons salt (or more, depending on your preference)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1. Soak wheat berries in 4 cups of the water for 12-24 hours.

2. Trim fat from meat and dice into bite-sized pieces.

3. In a large stock pot, brown meat with onion and garlic. When meat is browned, add the celery and part of the water (maybe about 6 cups), so that the meat is completely covered.

4. Cover the pot, and bring to a boil. Stir, cover again, reduce heat, and simmer for about 30 minutes.

5. Add the wheat berries (including the water in which they have been soaking), cover, and bring back up to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 2 1/2 hours. The weat is fully cooked when the berries are soft, chewy, and split.

6. Add an additional 2-4 cups of water to make the broth/soup the desired strength. We like less broth, but if you prefer a more watery soup, you might want to add a little more water. :) Season with salt and pepper.

This is a variation on a beef and barley soup recipe that was created by my mom, Linda. The soups are made in similar fashion, but the wheat and barley have very different textures, making the soup taste a lot different! :)

This is a healthy, affordable, easy, and delicious soup!! The flavor is great, and the meat gets so tender during the cooking time. I love this soup. It's so comforting in the cooler months! :) My rating: 10/10