Anasazi Beans & Wheat Berries

Recipe 20 minPreparation Time 50 minCooking Time

Anasazi Beans & Wheat Berries

20 minPreparation Time 50 min Cooking Time

About this Recipe

Turn cooked beans and grains into a dinner worthy of a party. Here miso, tamari and smoked paprika add loads of flavor, a perfect combination with Anasazi beans and wheat berries.

The Benefits

Dating to ancient culinary practices, beans and grains are an ideal pairing, rich in protein and nutrients. Beans help metabolize the carbohydrates in rice, while mushrooms have age-fighting antioxidants and benefit your immune system.

Ingredients

4 SERVES

Pre-prep Notes

To cook Anasazi beans, soak 1 cup (180 g) beans overnight, then drain. Add the beans and 1 bay leaf to a heavy-bottomed pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the beans are tender, 45 to 90 mins.
To cook wheat berries, bring 3 cups (720 ml) water to boil in a saucepan and add 1 cup (190 g) rinsed wheat berries. Simmer until tender. Depending on the variety, it will take between 30 and 90 mins. Drain and use or store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Umami Anasazi Beans

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1 sweet onion, cut into half-moon slices
A pinch or two of sugar or 1/2 tsp date syrup (to taste)
1 cup (240 ml) vegan beef-style broth (adding as needed)
1½ cups (255 g) cooked Anasazi beans
1/2 cup (50 g) sliced or finely diced mushrooms (such as shiitake)
1/8(-ish) tsp liquid smoke
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 cup (60 ml) hot water
2 tsp red miso
1 tsp tamari

Mushroom Wheat Berries

1 tsp sesame oil
1 cup (70 g) chopped or sliced mushrooms
1 cup (190 g) wheat berries
Splash of vegetable broth
1 tsp tamari or to taste

Directions

Step 1

Make the umami beans: Heat the oil in a hot skillet. Add the onion and sugar and cook on high heat for 15 to 30 minutes (the longer it cooks and browns, the sweeter it becomes), stirring as needed. Add beef-style broth as needed to avoid sticking.
Step 2

Add the beans, mushrooms, liquid smoke, and paprika. Add about 1/4 cup (60 ml) beef-style broth. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Step 3

Meanwhile, whisk red miso in the hot water. Add to the beans and mix well. Add tamari. Continue to cook over medium heat for another 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Step 4

Cook the mushroom wheat berries: In a heavy-bottomed medium pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 3 minutes.
Step 5

Add the wheat berries and stir to combine. Sauté over medium-high heat until the wheat berries are heated through, about 5 minutes. If the wheat berries begin to stick, add a splash of vegetable broth. Season to taste with the tamari.
Step 6

Serve the rice in bowls and top with the Anasazi beans.