Farro And Leek Pilaf Recipes

FARRO AND LEEK PILAF

Steps:

• Boil farro in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 20 minute.
• While farro is cooking, remove roots and dark green portion of leeks. Cut remainder in half lengthwise and wash segments. Cut into 1 inch lengths, then lengthwise into ¼ inch slivers.
• Slice bacon into ½ inch pieces and saute over medium heat in a large saucepan until most of the fat is rendered. Remove all but 1 T. of fat and add 3 T. olive oil and leeks.
• Cook leeks and bacon over medium heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until leeks are tender. Add chickpeas and heat briefly.
• When farro is done, drain and add to leek mixture. Toss to mix, with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve with grated cheese, if you like.

FARRO PILAF

Steps:

• Saute 1 chopped small onion in 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat, 5 to 7 minutes; season with kosher salt and pepper. Stir in 1 cup farro and 1/4 cup golden raisins; add 2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the water is absorbed, 35 minutes. Stir and top with chopped salted pistachios and parsley.

HERBED FARRO PILAF

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the pasta and cook, stirring frequently, just until it turns golden brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in the farro and shallots and continue to cook, stirring, 2 more minutes. Stir in the chicken stock and salt and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the pan and simmer until the farro is very tender, about 35 minutes. Check the farro towards the end of cooking and add 1 to 2 tablespoons water if the pan dries out before the farro is tender.
• Top with the parsley and thyme, fluff with a fork and serve.

SKILLET CHICKEN AND FARRO WITH CARAMELIZED LEEKS

Steps:

• Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt and pepper, and set aside while preparing the leeks.
• Trim roots from leeks, then cut away any wilted, yellowing or browned parts from the greens. Slice leeks in half lengthwise. Wash well under cold running water to remove any soil, then shake dry. Thinly slice the leeks (including the greens) into half-moons. You should have about 6 cups. Measure out about 2 tablespoons of sliced leek whites and set them aside for garnish.
• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. When the oil thins and coats the bottom of the pan, add half the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and repeat with remaining chicken.
• Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet and stir in the leeks and a pinch of salt. Sauté until tender and golden brown, 10 to 13 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in spices, thyme and tomato paste, and cook until tomato paste darkens and caramelizes, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Pour in chicken stock and bring to a simmer, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Stir in farro and 1 teaspoon salt. When the liquid comes to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low and nestle in the browned chicken, skin-side up; pour in any juices from the plate. Cover pan and let cook until the farro is tender and the chicken is cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, toss together the reserved leek whites, chopped tomatoes and parsley. Season to taste with salt, pepper and an acid like lemon or lime juice or vinegar. The mixture should taste tangy and bright.
• Discard the thyme sprigs, and serve chicken and farro topped with some of the tomato mixture.

FARRO PILAF WITH BALSAMIC CHERRIES

Steps:

• Pit the cherries and cut in half.
• Heat a medium or large heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. When the foam subsides, add the cherries and sauté for 1 minute.
• Add the balsamic vinegar and stir until it evaporates, which should take no more than 1 minute.
• Transfer the cherries immediately to a bowl so that they don't overcook or overcaramelize. Set aside.
• To cook the farro, place in a bowl or saucepan and cover with boiling water. Let sit for 1 hour, then drain.
• Return to the pot and add 1 quart water and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes, until the wheat berries have begun to splay. Drain through a strainer and return the farro to the pot.
• Place a towel across the top of the saucepan and return the lid. Let sit for 10 minutes.
• Uncover the farro and stir in the thyme, butter and cherries. Add pepper to taste, and serve.

FARRO PILAF WITH BALSAMIC CHERRIES

Steps:

• Pit the cherries and cut in half.
• Heat a medium or large heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. When the foam subsides, add the cherries and sauté for 1 minute. Add the balsamic vinegar and stir until it evaporates, which should take no more than 1 minute. Transfer the cherries immediately to a bowl so that they don't overcook or overcaramelize. Set aside.
• To cook the farro, place in a bowl or saucepan and cover with boiling water. Let sit for 1 hour, then drain. Return to the pot and add 1 quart water and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes, until the wheat berries have begun to splay. Drain through a strainer and return the farro to the pot. Place a towel across the top of the saucepan and return the lid. Let sit for 10 minutes.
• Uncover the farro and stir in the thyme, butter and cherries. Add pepper to taste, and serve.