She Strengthens

Savor the Flavor of Ancient Grains: A Hearty Farro Risotto Recipe

Unleashing the Nutty Goodness of Farro

Farro, an ancient grain born in the Fertile Crescent, boasts a delightful nutty flavor and a delicate chew that elevates this risotto to a whole new level. The perfect blend of creamy Parmesan cheese, rich butter, and the subtle tang of white wine creates a dish that’s both rustic and refined.

The Three Faces of Farro

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore the three forms of farro: whole, semi-pearled, and pearled. Whole farro retains all its bran and nutrients, while semi-pearled farro preserves some of its bran and nutrients. Pearled farro, on the other hand, has the least amount of bran and nutrients.

A Deliciously Balanced Recipe

This easy-to-make recipe yields 3-4 servings and requires only 30 minutes of active cooking time. With a total preparation time of 1 hour, you’ll be indulging in a flavorful and satisfying meal in no time.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• Kosher salt
• 3 cups wild mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups farro
• ½ cup white wine
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup butter
• Parsley, chopped, for garnish

Cooking Up a Storm

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms

In a large sauté pan, melt butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3 minutes or until translucent. Season with salt. Then, add in mushrooms and garlic, sautéing until the mixture is fragrant. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 2: Toast the Farro

Add in farro and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the grain is slightly toasted and evenly coated with oil and butter.

Step 3: Add Wine and Stock

Add in white wine and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then, add chicken stock to the sauté pan 1 cup at a time, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon and cooking until the liquid has been absorbed. Continue to add chicken stock 1 cup at a time until all the stock has been used.

Step 4: Finish with Flair

Add the thyme, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Mix together and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. When the risotto is done, garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.