farro – TasteFood

Autumn, Fall, Fruit, Vegetables and Salads, Vegetarian

Fig and Farro Salad with Mint and Feta

August 26, 2018August 26, 2018by Lynda Balslev1 Comment

It’s fig season and I am figging out:

There is a magical window of time when fresh figs are abundant, and this is it. Soft and fragrant, fresh figs are oh-so ethereal to eat. Their flavor is delicate yet nuanced. Depending on the variety, they can be sweet and winey, honeyed, or grassy. Black mission figs are the smallest, dark and furtively sweet. Brown Turkey figs are larger, striated in brown and yellow, and pleasingly sweet like honey, while Calimyrna are perhaps the prettiest – green and golden like wheatgrass, with a nutty vegetal flavor. When figs are ripe, they are luscious to eat straight up, but if you are lucky to have too many, then layer them into sandwiches and salads, or on pizzas and bruschetta.

This recipe makes a hearty salad full of farro grains. If you prefer a more leafy salad, then halve the amount of farro.

Fig and Farro Salad with Mint and Feta

Serves 4

1/2 cup semi-pearled farro
1 1/2 cups water

Dressing:
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 small garlic clove
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 cups arugula
1 cup shredded radicchio
6 Brown Turkey figs, quartered
2 ounces crumbled feta or fresh goat cheese
1/4 cup mint leaves, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped pistachios
Finely grated lemon zest, for garnish

1. Cook the farro: Combine the farro and water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot and simmer until the farro is tender, about 30 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and cool the farro to room temperature.

2. Make the dressing: Combine the vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Add the oil in a steady stream, whisking to emulsify.

3. Assemble the salad: Combine the arugula and radicchio in a serving bowl. Scatter the farro over the salad and top with the figs, cheese, and mint. Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss to combine. Garnish with the pistachios and lemon zest and serve.

Autumn, Fall, side dish, tastefood, Thanksgiving, Vegetables and Salads, Vegetarian

Thanksgiving Sides: Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Grapes with Walnuts and Farro

November 7, 2017July 22, 2018by Lynda Balslev2 Comments

If one vegetable symbolizes Fall and Thanksgiving, it’s the Brussels sprout. When these little crucifers appear in the market, it means it’s time to pull on our sweaters and plan our holiday menus. Yet, if one vegetable symbolizes dinner challenges, it’s also the Brussels sprout, because when these mini-cabbages appear on the table you can be sure they will elicit strong reactions from those who love them – and those who hate them. Hence the eternal question: in the spirit of holiday togetherness, how can we serve these hardy sprouts for everyone to enjoy?

This recipe might be the answer. Like all traditions that bear repeating, it’s worth sharing once again. It has a few simple techniques that may, just may, win over any steadfast sprout-hater. The trick is to roast the Brussels sprouts, which softens their assertive and firm cabbagey properties and accentuates their natural sweetness. Grapes are roasted along with the sprouts, so they coat the sprouts with their winey juices and lend more sweetness. A good shellacking of pomegranate balsamic vinegar towards the end of the roasting provides a lip smacking caramelized finish. Finally, the sprouts, grapes, and juices are tossed with farro and toasted walnuts, creating a rustic and satisfying dish, which is nutty, sweet, and not too dense with sprouts – but with just enough to satisfy the lovers and appease the haters at your dinner table. So give it a try and let me know.

Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Grapes with Farro

Pomegranate balsamic vinegar is available in specialty stores and well-stocked supermarkets. You can make your own by whisking together 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses.

Active Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves 4 to 6 as a side dish

1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved (or quartered if large)
3/4 pound seedless red grapes
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup pomegranate balsamic vinegar
1 cup cooked farro, warm or at room temperature
1/4 cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts

Preheat the oven to 425°F/220°C. Toss the Brussels sprouts, grapes, thyme sprigs, oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, drizzle the pomegranate balsamic vinegar over and stir to coat. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast until the sprouts are tender and the grapes have begun to shrivel, about 15 more minutes. Remove from the oven, discard the thyme sprigs, and transfer to a serving bowl. Add the farro and walnuts and toss to combine. Serve warm or at room temperature.

holiday, Thanksgiving, Vegetables and Salads, Vegetarian

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Grapes with Farro and Walnuts

November 17, 2016July 22, 2018by Lynda Balslev3 Comments

This brussels sprouts recipe is perfect for the holiday table. Roasted grapes and a shellacking of caramelized pomegranate balsamic vinegar tame and complement the earthy crucifers. Farro and toasted walnuts add heft and heartiness to this side dish, while nicely providing a satisfying vegetarian option on a meat laden table. If you can’t find pomegranate balsamic vinegar, you can make your own by whisking together 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses.

Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Grapes with Farro

Serves 4 to 6 as a side dish.

1 pound brussels sprouts, halved (or quartered if large)
12 ounces seedless red grapes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup pomegranate balsamic vinegar
1 cup cooked farro
1/4 cup toasted walnuts (optional)

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss the brussels sprouts, grapes, oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and roast 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and drizzle the pomegranate balsamic vinegar over, stirring to coat. Return to the oven and roast until the sprouts are tender and the grapes have begun to shrivel, about 15 minutes more, stirring once or twice. Transfer to a serving bowl. Add the farro and walnuts and toss to combine. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Autumn, Fall, Soups and Stews, Vegetables and Salads, Winter

Winter Vegetable Soup with Greens and Grains

January 10, 2015November 17, 2018by Lynda Balslev8 Comments

I make a version of this soup throughout the fall and winter. The recipe is easy and delicious, following a simple template which I switch up with different seasonal vegetables, often a grain, and sometimes beans. The basic stock is chicken, to which I add a can of Italian plum tomatoes for fruity acidity, plus a hunk of Parmesan rind which breaks down while cooking, adding a little oomph (aka umami) to the broth. From there I embellish, adding a grain, such as farro or barley, and chunks of sturdy vegetables, such as fennel, butternut squash, and carrot. If I crave more substance (think one-pot dinner), I’ll dump a can of cannellini beans or chickpeas into the mix. Finally, I stir in chopped hearty greens, such as kale, mustard, or spinach, and simmer until they just wilt but remain bright and fresh. You can do this too – use the following recipe as your template, and mix and match the veggies and grains to your taste.

Winter Vegetable Soup with Greens and Grains
Serves 6

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large carrot, thinly sliced (or 1 1/2 cups cubed butternut squash)
1 small fennel bulb, fonds and end trimmed, halved and thinly sliced
1 cup uncooked barley or farro
1 (15-ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes, with juice
6 cups chicken stock, or more as needed
1 (2 to 3 inch) Parmesan rind
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 to 2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained (optional)
2 cups coarsely chopped kale (or spinach)
Grated Parmesan for garnish

Heat the oil over medium heat in a soup pot. Add the onion and sauté until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the carrot or squash and the fennel. Saute until brightened in color, about 2 minutes. Add the barley and stir to coat, then add the tomatoes, chicken stock, cheese rind, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender and the barley is tender, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon. If the soup becomes too thick, add more stock as necessary. Add the beans, if using, and bring to a boil, then add the greens and simmer until bright green in color and just wilted. Taste for seasoning. Serve hot with grated cheese.

Breads, Pasta, Rice, Grains, Vegetables and Salads, Vegetarian

Veggie Fried Farro

October 4, 2014by Lynda Balslev9 Comments

Posted by Lynda Balslev

Farro stands in for rice in this easy stove top dinner. Cooked farro is added to a sauté of seasonal chopped veggies – in this case cauliflower, peppers and purple kale. It’s a great way to use up your veggies Almonds are an optional addition, adding extra protein and great crunchy texture to this satisfying dish.

Veggie Fried Farro

I used what I had on hand from the farmers market, including bok choy flowers for garnish (not necessary but very pretty).

Serves 4

1 cup farro
1 1/2 cups chicken stock (or water)
Salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 small head cauliflower, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, diced
2 gypsy peppers (or 1 sweet red bell pepper), stemmed and seeded, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 heaping cup coarsely chopped kale leaves
1/4 cup almonds, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Freshly ground black pepper

Bring the farro, stock or water, and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the farro is tender, about 45 minutes.

Heat the oil and red chili flakes in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower and carrot and sauté until crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the peppers, garlic, cumin, and paprika and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the kale and sauté until the kale wilts, about 1 minute. Stir in the farro, almonds and cilantro. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Serve warm.

Breads, Pasta, Rice, Grains, side dish

Golden Beet and Shiitake Farrotto

May 4, 2014January 7, 2019by Lynda Balslev12 Comments

Posted by Lynda Balslev

When you switch out the rice with farro in this risotto-style dish, you end up with farrotto. Like rice, the farro grains steep and simmer in stock, but without the nonstop requirement of stirring with rice. The difference is that farro has a hearty chewy texture, never succumbing to mushiness. Each nutty whole wheat grain maintains its shape, exuding earthy wholesomeness. You can’t help but feel healthy when you eat it.

Farro has an ancient pedigree, originating in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Also known as emmer, and compared to spelt, farro is a species of wheat, high in fiber and rich in protein and B vitamins. It’s delicious in salads, pilafs, breads, soups and stews. If you haven’t tried it, you should.

Farro with Shiitake Mushrooms and Roasted Yellow Beets

Serves 4 to 6

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 small shallot, finely chopped, about 2 tablespoons
8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced 1/4-inch thick
Sea salt
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon thyme
1 cup semi-pearled farro, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 cups chicken stock (or mushroom stock for a vegetarian version)
1 medium beet, 6 to 8 ounces, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley, plus extra for garnish
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup crumbled fresh goat cheese or feta, optional

1. Melt the butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms, lightly season with salt, and cook until they begin to soften and release their juices, 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the garlic and thyme and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the farro and cook until slightly toasted, about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in the wine and stir until absorbed. Add the stock and 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer until the farro is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, 30 to 40 minutes.
2. While the farro is cooking, heat the oven to 400°F. Toss the beets, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Spread on a small rimmed baking sheet or baking pan and roast in the oven until the beets are tender and golden brown in spots, about 20 minutes.
3. When the farro is ready, stir in the beets, parsley, and black pepper. Serve garnished with additional parsley and crumbled fresh goat cheese, if using.

Chicken, Main Course

Chicken Farro Veggie Bowl

December 19, 2013December 19, 2013by Lynda Balslev6 Comments

Reflection, Gratitude, Peace.

Holidays are about family. This festive month is only halfway finished, and it’s already been jammed with family events – both expected and unexpected. My trip to Denmark was a whirlwind, packed with working commitments, great food and sites I can’t wait to share with you. When there was an opening in my busy schedule I saw old friends and my husband’s family – an early gift that made my trip even more special for which I am very grateful. Upon my return to the US, I hardly had time to empty my suitcase before packing it again – this time for an unexpected trip to visit my ailing father – and to say good bye. Sad and difficult, it was also bittersweet – a blessing to have a few days with my father and a gift to see my far flung brothers and my father’s family at once, to sit together and reflect, to remember and to laugh, to console and to cry.

I arrived home yesterday and as far as I know, no further travels are required (please). This chicken and farro bowl is what I made for our dinner last night. You might not call it festive, but you can certainly call it soulful and restorative – qualities that were not only perfect for my mood, but grounding and comforting as family food can be. It has several steps, not complicated but reassuring and gently mindful, offering solace, purpose and sustenance. And as timing would have it, it’s also healthy and light, which provides a welcome respite during the excessive holiday season. Peace.

Chicken Farro & Veggie Bowl

Roasting a whole chicken with the vegetables in one pan allows the vegetables to cook in the pan juices which are then spooned over the chicken and farro before serving.

1 (3 to 4 pound) chicken
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 garlic cloves plus 1 garlic clove, minced
3 to 4 small carrots, halved lengthwise
1 large onion, cut in 1/2-inch wedges
1 large fennel bulb, fronds trimmed, sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 small romesco cauliflower, cut in bite-size florets
Leaves of 2 thyme sprigs

2 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 cups farro
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce, optional
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups baby spinach leaves

Heat the oven to 400°F. Rub the chicken all over with oil. Generously season with salt and pepper including inside the cavity. Rub 2 minced garlic cloves inside the cavity and between the skin and breast meat. Place in a baking dish or large cast iron skillet, breast side up. Roast 20 minutes.

Place the carrots, onion, fennel, and cauliflower in a large bowl. Toss with 1 tablespoon oil, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Remove the skillet from the oven. Scatter the vegetables around the chicken, gently raising the chicken to spread underneath if needed. Return to the oven and roast until chicken is thoroughly cooked, 45 to 55 minutes depending on size of chicken. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest 15 minutes before carving into serving pieces. (If you find the vegetables a little undone at this point, return the skillet with vegetables to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes while the chicken rests).

While the chicken is roasting, prepare the farro. Bring the farro and stock to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until farro is tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 minced garlic clove, the soy sauce, sriracha and salt to taste. Add the spinach and stir to wilt. Cover until serving.

To serve, spoon farro into a wide bowl or deep dish. Top with chicken pieces and roasted vegetables. Spoon pan juices over and serve immediately with extra hot sauce if desired.

Breads, Pasta, Rice, Grains, Main Course, Meat

Steak and Farro with Golden Beets, Garbanzos and Tarragon

June 10, 2013July 1, 2013by Lynda Balslev15 Comments

~ Beef Ribeye, Farro, Golden Beets, Spring Onion, Garbanzos, Tarragon ~

There are a few reasons why this recipe is just right for tonight. The first reason is that it’s early summer in San Francisco and it’s freezing. Not literally, but enough to feel obliged to apologize profusely to visitors from out of town. Enough to don fleece outerwear to venture out to the grill, where hands are briskly warmed between flipping the burgers. Or enough to appear like it’s raining when technically it is not, but the mist from the fog is so heavy it soaks the garden furniture and leave puddles on the steps.

Another reason why this meal is just right is this is the first day following a whirlwind celebratory week of graduations, house guests and parties. When lists were made to remember lists. When we had great fun, but didn’t have a moment to reflect on that fun. When we indulged and consumed and quite likely forgot to eat our vegetables. Today we now have the time and space to remember and to reflect – and to also eat a balanced meal.

This recipe corrals the seasons’ best farmers market produce, hearty farro, and a few lone pieces of steak left over in the fridge, in one big warming yet fresh meal brimming with health and good flavor. You can grill the steak or pan fry it, depending on the weather.

Warm Steak and Farro Salad with Roasted Beets, Garbanzos and Tarragon

Shelled English peas or edamame may be substituted for the garbanzos.
Serves 4.

3 medium golden beets, peeled, cut in 1/2 inch batons or wedges
1 large sweet yellow onion, halved lengthwise, each half thickly sliced in wedges
Extra-virgin olive oil
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 1/4 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 cups farro
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste
2 or 3 rib eye or New York steaks, about 1-inch thick
1/2 cup shelled fresh garbanzos (chick peas)
1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves
Sriracha (optional)

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the beets and onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Bake in oven until beets are tender and onions are beginning to brown, about 45 minutes.
While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the farro: Combine the stock, farro and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the farro is tender but still chewy, about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin and cayenne. Partially cover to keep warm.
Prepare the steaks: Season the steaks all over with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a heavy skillet or cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add steaks, without overcrowding, and cook until brown on both sides, turning once, 6 to 8 minutes for medium rare. (or grill over direct high heat, turning once or twice, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes. Cut steaks crosswise in 1/2 inch thick slices.
While the steaks are resting, bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Add the garbanzos and blanch until bright green but still crisp, about 1 minute.
To serve, spoon the farro into the center of a serving platter or divide among serving plates. Arrange steak in the center of the farro and drizzle with any accumulated juices. Place the vegetables around the steak and drizzle with any accumulated baking juices. Scatter the garbanzos over. Garnish with fresh tarragon. Drizzle with more olive oil. Serve warm with Sriracha sauce on the side.

Breads, Pasta, Rice, Grains, Chicken, Main Course, Vegetables and Salads

Roasted Chicken, Asparagus and Beets with Farro and Parsley Coulis

April 16, 2013February 7, 2019by Lynda Balslev16 Comments

~ Chicken, Asparagus, Baby Beets, Farro, Parsley ~

If only we people could get along this well. This meal is the happy convergence of 5 simply prepared ingredients, each stand alone good in their own right, which magically conspire to create a wondrous, healthy and satisfying one dish meal. Sriracha marinated chicken breasts, olive oil roasted asparagus and baby beets nestle in a pile of hearty farro drizzled with a bright parsley coulis. A final squeeze of Sriracha electrifies and unites. Call it one stop shopping or an homage to Spring, this earthy and rustic meal is a vibrant balance of flavor and simplicity on a plate.

Roasted Chicken, Asparagus and Baby Beets with Farro and Parsley Coulis

The good news is that each component may be served on their own, next to each other or in a happy tangle of coexistence. The beets and asparagus may be served at room temperature. The parsley coulis is also delicious as a dip or smeared on crostini.

Serves 4 to 6

Chicken:
2 tablespoons Dijon style mustard
2 tablespoons Sriracha
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon salt
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, 6 to 8 ounces each

Beets and Asparagus:
1 pound baby yellow beets, ends trimmed, scrubbed clean
1/2 pound asparagus, ends trimmed
Extra-virgin olive oil
Salt
1/2 lemon

Farro:
3 cups chicken stock or water
2 cups farro
1 teaspoon salt

Parsley Coulis:
2 cups Italian flat leaf parsley
1 jalapeno pepper, stemmed and seeded, minced
2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of sugar

Prepare the chicken: Whisk all of the ingredients except the chicken in a large bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Heat oven broiler (or grill). Remove chicken from marinade and arrange in one layer on a broiler pan. Broil until chicken is thoroughly cooked through, turning once or twice, 10 to 14 minutes, depending on thickness. Remove and cut breasts in half.

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the beets. Heat oven to 400° F (200C). Place the beets in a baking dish. Drizzle with oil and season with salt. Turn to coat. Cover baking dish with foil. Bake until beets are tender when pierced with a knife, 45 to 55 minutes. Cool slightly, then cut beets in half.

Prepare the asparagus: Heat oven broiler. Arrange the asparagus in one layer in a baking dish. Drizzle with oil and season with salt. Broil until asparagus are browned in spots and fork tender, turning once, 6 to 8 minutes, depending on thickness. Remove from oven. Cool slightly, then cut in 1-inch pieces. Squeeze with juice of 1/2 lemon.

Prepare the farro: Combine farro, stock and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until farro is tender, about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with fork. Add more salt to taste if desired.

Prepare the Parsley Coulis: Place all of the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor. Process until blended. Taste for seasoning. Transfer to a bowl.

To serve, divide farro between serving plates. Top with chicken. Scatter beets and asparagus around the chicken. Drizzle with some of the beet and chicken pan juices. Spoon coulis over chicken. Serve with Sriracha.

Soups and Stews, Vegetables and Salads

Kale and Farro Soup

January 7, 2013October 6, 2018by Lynda Balslev17 Comments

~ Kale and Farro Soup ~

I don’t usually make New Years resolutions, but if I did, it would be to get my kids to eat more kale. Do you think they’ll notice the kale in this stew?

January is not only bowl-month in our home, it’s kale month. Bowls of nourishing soups and stews are perfect for the cold weather and a comforting alternative to the highfalutin presentations of Christmas past. And kale is everywhere right now, flamboyantly in season touting deeply colored emphatically shaped leaves, towering in piles on market shelves and tables. Good timing is all I have to say. Kale is a superfood, packed with nutrients and anti-oxidants, and an excellent way to jump start the new year in good health. And why hold back with just one nutritious ingredient? Kale teams up with farro, a nutty ancient grain packed with protein and fiber and chunks of vitamin-rich butternut squash in this healthy, hearty soup.

Farro, Kale and Butternut Squash Soup

Either curly green or lacinato kale may be used for the soup. Remove tough ribs from leaves before chopping.

Active Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves 4 to 6

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup semi-pearled farro (or barley)
6 cups chicken stock, plus additional stock as necessary
2 cups cubed butternut squash
1 (15-ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes with juice
1 (2-inch) chunk of rind of Parmesan cheese
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt, to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 to 3 cups coarsely chopped green kale leaves
Finely grated Parmesan cheese

1. Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the farro and stir to coat.
2. Add the chicken stock, squash, tomatoes, cheese chunk, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, breaking up the tomatoes with a wooden spoon. Reduce the heat, partially cover the pot, and simmer until the squash is tender and farro is cooked, about 30 minutes. (Add more stock to desired consistency if soup is too thick.) Taste for seasoning and add more salt if desired.
3. Stir in the kale leaves and simmer until the kale brightens in color and wilts, 1 to 2 minutes. Discard Parmesan rind and the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and pass the cheese for sprinkling over the soup.