Chili by the Farmer’s Daughter

1 cup raw wheat berries + 3 cups water  (Bring to a boil in large heavy saucepan, then reduce heat, cover and simmer gently for about 1 hour or until softened, stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse.) 

Add these to:

 1.5 lbs. browned hamburger                         28 ounce can diced tomatoes

1 large onion, chopped                                  2 c. beef broth

1 green pepper, chopped                              1 can white beans

1 red pepper, chopped                                 1 can black beans

1 can corn                                                  1 can kidney beans

4 tsp. chili powder or more                         1 can Bush’s Baked Beans

½ tsp. Franks Hot sauce or more                2 TBLS dry Ranch dressing

¼ tsp black pepper                                     2 TBLS brown sugar

1 can tomato sauce or soup

Simmer and serve.

Preparation of wheat berries:

1. Sort through wheat berries carefully, discarding any stones. Rinse well under cool running water. Place in a large heavy saucepan. Add water and salt.
2. To make 4 to 5 cups cooked wheat berries, use 2 cups berries with 7 to 8 cups water.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse. To serve hot, use immediately. Otherwise, follow the make-ahead instructions.

Tips & Notes

• Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 4 months. The frozen wheat berries thaw out in a minute or two in the microwave.