Wheat Berry-Brown Rice Pilaf

This is an experimental dish that I plan on making tonight as an accompaniment to roast brisket. The wheat berries are from my CSA, Grasshopper Distributions.

Ingredients

• 5 c. water or chicken broth
• 1 c.wheat berries
• 1 c. brown rice
• 3 t. butter
• 1/2 green pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1/8 t. salt
• Pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 t. thyme
• 2 t. dried parsley
• 8 oz. can mushroom stems and pieces

Procedure

1. Bring water to a boil in a medium sauce pan.
   
2. Add wheat berries, reduce heat to a slow simmer, cover and cook for 1 hour.
   
3. Add brown rice and cook for 30 minutes.
   
4. During this time, melt butter in a skillet. Saute vegetables until translucent.
   
5. Add vegetables, herbs, spices, and mushrooms to rice and wheat berries. Cover and cook an additional 30 minutes or until grains are tender.