I don’t blame you if this title confused you, but I found out so many cool things about grapes while researching this post. Genetic research has demonstrated that grapes are 65 million years old: that’s when the dinosaurs became extinct (read article here). Mind blown! So, did dinosaurs die first or grapes appear first? This could be the new chicken or egg question on your next Zoom call with friends.
People have been growing and fermenting grapes for over 8,000 years and there are over 8,000 different varieties. I also learned that grapes are actually a berry. But, the most important thing that is actually relevant to this recipe, is you can roast them. Roasting grapes produces a wonderful caramelized delicacy that will melt in your mouth! Try adding some to your breakfast yogurt, oatmeal, wheat berries, or as a salad topping.
While I always keep a stock of bananas in the freezer for a last minute addition to smoothies or breakfast bowls, I prefer using seasonal fruits in fun ways. My usual breakfast consists of Palouse brand hard winter red or white wheat berries, unsweetened almond milk, nuts or nut butter, honey and fruits. I like to prepare the wheat berries in advance for easy weekday breakfasts or lunches. Roasted grapes can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a day or two.
I had some beautiful blood oranges and plump purple grapes sitting on the counter and decided to try them in my wheat berry bowl. Not only did the bowl look colorful but it was delicious! There are lots of recipes available for adding roasted grapes to grains, below is how I combined them this past weekend for a healthy breakfast.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour dried wheat berries into an insulated thermos.
- Cover wheat berries with boiling water. Leave enough room for them to expand.
- Place the lid on the insulated thermos and let soak for 12 hours.
- After soaking time is complete, drain the wheat berries.
- Place drained wheat berries in a small pot and cover with water. Simmer until soft but still al dente. (Depending on the type of wheat berry, this may take anywhere from 30 minutes – 1 hour).
- Store cooked wheat berries in the refrigerator until ready to use. I like to warm them in the microwave with a bit of water, non-dairy milk, or vegetable broth and any herbs or spices.
Wheat Berry Breakfast Bowl with Roasted Grapes and Blood Oranges
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Place sliced grapes on a lined baking sheet. Top with olive oil and honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Roast for 30 minutes or until grapes are caramelized. *
- Add wheat berries, milk, cinnamon, zest and juice of one of the blood oranges, and sweetener of choice to a small saucepan.
- Heat gently on low to medium low heat until the milk reduces by half (about 5-10 minutes)
- Alternative cooking method: microwave for 2 minutes are stir.
- Top bowl with roasted grapes and their juice, blood orange slices, nuts, or nut butter of choice.