This salad appeared in the 2015 December issue of Bon Appétit magazine and caught my eye because I am a farro fan.
Farro is the Italian term given to a group of wheat varieties -einkorn, emmer, and spelt. Spelt is fairly easy to find in American markets, particularly those that have bins of grain for sale. Barley is a good substitution for farro. It takes about 20-25 minutes to cook, but can also be purchased in a quick-cook variety.
The recipe called for grape seed or olive oil in the vinaigrette, but I found a roasted pistachio oil at Trader Joe’s and used that instead. I also used Trader Joe’s quick-cook farro, which had been parboiled and cooked in 10 minutes versus the usual 20-25.
When I read the recipe I wondered about the Serrano chile, but had no trouble finding it. I took a picture of it next to a jalapeño pepper to show the difference.
I made the salad which was enough for several serving and enjoyed it very much. I refrigerated what was left of the salad and a couple of days later it was just as good or even better because the flavors had a chance to blend. I made it again and shared it with Julie who loved it and made it with Lucy, looking on admiringly as she is blending in all the ingredients. Really a great grain salad which I would never have created on my own. Thank Heavens for Bon Appétit, a close second to my beloved Gourmet Magazine!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups farro
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup pistachios
- 1 ½ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated peeled ginger
- ½ teaspoons sugar
- 1/3 cup pistachio or olive oil
- 1 Serrano chile, sliced into rings
- 1-cup cilantro, mint, and parsley, chopped
- 1/3 cup golden raisins
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the faro until tender 20-25 minutes.*
- Meanwhile, toast the pistachios, allow to cool, & then coarsely chop.
- Whisk the lemon zest, lemon juice, ginger, sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt in a bowl. Gradually add the oil until emulsified.
- Drain the farro, and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Add the chile, herbs, raisins, and pistachios. Toss to combine.
- Drizzle with the vinaigrette, correct the seasoning adding salt & pepper to taste.
*The faro can be cooked a day ahead, and refrigerated until you use it.
