Thursday, February 5, 2009

Farro, Fennel & Beans




I have the hardest time finding farro in our neck of the woods, but after a trip to NH last week I was sure to stock up. Farro is a fave of my family. Who wouldn’t enjoy this delicate nutty whole grain that’s extremely satisfying. An ancient grain rich in fiber, vitamins, very easily digested, that’s low in gluten and is an extremely versatile whole grain. From soups to salads, to risotto like dishes it will heartily fill you up without the calories. It’s just that good! Try some and maybe you can make it a favorite of your family too!

Typically I make this with fava beans, but couldn’t resist the young edamame pods-the young pods of the soybean plant, at the market this week and truthfully.. I just love the pleasant crunch and flavor of edamame to the fava.



8 oz farro
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
½ lb edamame beans-shelled from the pods
1 onion, diced
½ sweet pepper, diced
½ fennel bulb, sliced
a splash dry red wine
2 TBLS balsamic vinegar
olive oil
¼ tsp unsalted butter
sea salt & ground pepper
plenty of fresh parmigiano reggiano cheese

Wah & rinse farro well. In a stock pot put stock, farro, vinegar, olive oil, onion and peppers over medium heat. Once it begins to boil, turn it down to low and simmer for another five minutes. Add red wine, sliced fennel sea salt & ground pepper and continue to simmer another eight to ten minutes.. I adore the color of edamame so I always add them during the last five minutes of cooking… or even add them raw at the end of the cook. Farro should now be well cooked and plump,with liquids well absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in unsalted butter and top with a generous amount of grated cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy!

9 comments:

The Italian Dish said...

LOVE farro! I usually have to order it online to get it.

Karen said...

I'm sure I couldn't find farro here in the middle of nowhere :) and I'm not sure about the edamame. I need to branch out! LOL

Anonymous said...

Ok, this is good, but where's the nutella! haha

YankeeSoaper said...

LOL!! You nuts!

Chef Chuck said...

I enjoy farro, that looks and must taste great!

YankeeSoaper said...

Tastes fabulous Chuck, do try some!

jesse said...

I've never had farro before, but that looks so delicious and healthy! Amazing!

YankeeSoaper said...

Thanks so much Jesse. It is very delicious and super healthy!

Claudia said...

Farro was also impossibile to find in Minnesota. For years,on our yearly pilgrimages to New York, we would stock up on it. Now,low and behold - the midwest is catching up and once in a while it appears and gets scarfed up!