Farro

Farro (pronounced FAHR-oh) is one of the oldest cultivated grains on the planet. Farro is a type of wheat that was among the first plants to be domesticated in the Middle East. The plant grows in wild and cultivated varieties, and it is still a popular food in some areas of the world, especially in Italy.

Farro is a great source of vitamins and nutrients; it is high in protein and a good source of fiber. Farro is easy to prepare and is versatile in its use. It helps to form the healthy foundations to salads, breakfast cereals or is a wonderful addition to soups and pilafs. Farro can also be prepared by itself. Farro adopts the flavors of the other foods it’s prepared with making this whole grain a wonderfully delicious accompaniment to any meal.

Farro Stew with Peas, Green Garlic, and Watermelon Radish (Courtesy of Vegetarian Times)

Ingredients

4 Tbs. olive oil, divided

1 small onion, finely chopped (1 cup)

½ cup green garlic, thinly sliced, or ½ cup sliced green onions or baby leeks

1 ½ cups pearled Farro

½ cup dry white wine

2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1 cup fresh English peas

10 mint leaves

1 clove garlic

1 watermelon radish, thinly sliced

Directions

Heat 1 tbsp. oil over medium heat. Add onion and green garlic, and cook 1 to 2 minutes, or until softened. Add Farro, and sauté 2 to 3 minutes, or until Farro is lightly toasted. Stir in wine, and simmer 2 to 3 minutes, or until most of liquid has evaporated.

Add vegetable broth and 2 cups water. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 45 minutes, or until Farro is tender, stirring occasionally. There are 10 minute Farro available from Trader Joes, so please adjust cooking time accordingly.

Blanch peas in boiling, salted water 3 minutes. Drain, transfer to large bowl of ice water to cool, and drain again. Pat dry with paper towels or dish towel.

Pulse peas, mint, garlic, and 2 tbsp. oil in food processor or blender until coarsely chopped.

Fold pea mixture into Farro. Divide stew among 4 serving bowls, top with radish slices, garnish with edible flowers (flowering kale), if desired.