A Southern Grace: farro be it from me to tell you what to eat

April 6, 2017

farro be it from me to tell you what to eat

Yum

Caprese Farro. But you should eat this.


Well, it seems I'm on another kick. I've discovered farro and I won't rest until I'm sick of it. However, when dishes like this one-pot wonder exist, I have my doubts that such a thing will ever happen!

Yep, to make this bowl of warm, cheesy, flavorful comfort food, all you need is a cutting board and one pan. Slice, chop, simmer, and devour--that's my kind of set of directions! It's almost unbelievable that something so deep in flavor would take so little time and effort to make, but it's true. I'm so glad I came across this recipe and I intend to make it time and time again.


Update: I already made this again, even before the post was ready for publishing, so I thought I'd add what I changed the second time. First of all, I toasted the farro until it began to smell nutty. I also used a whole onion, mostly because I hate having half an onion stinking up the fridge. Finally, I added 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to the water before proceeding with the presoaking and the remainder of the recipe. I do love that sweet and sour combination, and it fit right in with this dish!

Caprese Farro
Adapted from this recipe
(printable recipe)
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup semi-pearled* farro (see note)
  • 1/2 large onion
  • 9 ounces cherry tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large or 2 small basil leaves, julienned
  • 2 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated or torn or cut into large chunks
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • Balsamic reduction, for garnish
Directions:
Place the water and farro in a medium saucepan to presoak for a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Thinly slice the onion into quarter-moons and add it to the saucepan.
Halve or quarter the tomatoes and add them to the pan as well.
Season everything in the pan with salt, pepper flakes, and olive oil.
Bring the uncovered pan up to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
After 30 minutes, the farro should be perfectly cooked and seasoned and the cooking water should be almost completely absorbed. If necessary, cook it for 5 additional minutes, until farro is more tender.
Transfer to a wide serving bowl.
Sprinkle on the mozzarella chunks, basil, Parmesan cheese, and balsamic reduction and serve immediately.

*Note on cooking farro: Pay attention to what kind you get! Pearled farro will take less time to cook than semi-pearled farro, which will take less time to cook than whole.

13 comments:

Angie's Recipes said...

Very nutritious and tasty! Pass the spoon over, please!

Pam said...

I've never had it but now I have to try it. Sounds good!

lisa is cooking said...

I want a giant bowl of this in my fridge so I can eat it for lunch every day. I don't think I would ever get sick of it either!

tania| my kitchen stories said...

I am with you I love farro. In fact I bought a packet home from work yesterday. Its Italian Heirloom farro and it is sooooo delicious. i need to try your recipe!

Juliana said...

I too love the texture of farro and cannot get enough of it...I love your recipe Grace...especially the fresh basil...thanks for the inspiration!
I hope you are having a great week :)

Cheri Savory Spoon said...

farro is one of my favorites too and this salad looks truly spectacular, love everything about it Grace.

Kelsie said...

This looks wonderful! I'm adding it to my must-make list :). Have a great weekend Grace!

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

We love farro too! I love that chewy, nutty texture like all of those lovely grains. Great idea Grace! We loved your caprese chicken too :D

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies said...

Thanks for the tip on the different kinds of farro. Being new to farro, I would have grabbed the first package I saw.

Barbara said...

I love farro, Grace. What a clever way to serve it too, caprese salads are a favorite. Perfect for lunch every day.

Marjie said...

Basil and tomato is a great flavor combination, and I love the cheese on top! Great dish, Grace!

Pam said...

I've never tried farro... this dish makes me want to try!

Kate @ Framed Cooks said...

I have SUCH a crush on farro, and caprese farro sounds like PERFECTION! Swoon!