Winter Wheat Berry Salad with Figs & Red Onion

Put the wheat berries in a saucepan and cover with water.Bring to a boil over medium heat, then turn the heat down to low and partially cover the pot.Cook for 45 minutes, or until the wheat berries are soft yet still chewy.

While the wheat berries are cooking, whisk the rice vinegar, orange juice, and honey together in a small saucepan.Bring to a boil and add the raisins and chopped figs.Turn off the heat and let the fruit steep in the juice and vinegar mixture.

Finely dice the red onion; you will end up with between A bowl with a capacity of 1/4 liter containing and A bowl with a capacity of 3/8 liter containing .Finely dice the celery as well; you will have between A bowl with a capacity of 3/8 liter containing and A bowl with a capacity of 1/2 liter containing .Mix them in a large bowl.

When the wheat berries are tender enough to be chewed easily, drain them, then pour them into the large bowl with the red onion and celery.Toss with the olive oil and lemon zest.Add the vinegar and juice mixture, and all the fruit, and mix.Toss with the almonds, chopped parsley or mint, and with the salt.Add pepper to taste.

Let the salad stand at room temperature for at least one hour before serving, to allow the flavors mix and soak into the grain.Serve warm or at room temperature.

The salad can also be refrigerated for up to three days.