Farro is an ancient grain packed full of nutrients. It is high in protein (always a tick in the box) fibre and antioxidants. Years ago I was introduced to it when I was working with Sabato and it’s been a staple in our cupboards ever since. Even Nigella gave it the thumbs up in Nigelissima where her recipe for farro risotto had everyone ditching the rice for a while and swapping to this fabulous grain.
I use it a lot for salads in the summer and as a base for using up ingredients in the fridge. Last week I had a pot of ricotta to finish up, some lemons, peas and a jug of chicken stock. With a gale blowing outside the window it was the perfect required lunch! This Smoked Chilli Farro Risotto is a delicious winter warmer packed full of protein and nutrients and is perfect for a crowd.
Farro doesn’t melt together like arborio rice. It will go creamy like porridge if cooked long and slow but I quite like the almost chewy texture before that stage. Experiment as you will!
This feeds two comfortably, one greedily.
Base Recipe
1 Cup Farro
3 Cups Hot Stock
This recipe
1/2 red onion
1 clove of garlic
1/2 cup of ricotta
1/2 cup of cooked peas
Zest of half a lemon
1/2 tsp smoked chilli flakes / paprika flakes (try these if you can get them)
1/4 cup dry sherry or dry white wine
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Chopped parsley
salt and pepper
Method
Rinse the farro in warm water and soak while you prep the other ingredients.
Bring the stock to boil and lower to a gentle simmer.
in a sauté pan or deep frying pan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft and golden
Drain the farro grains and add to the onions and garlic. Stir to heat through and combine. Add the wine / sherry and stock and cover with a lid or foil. Simmer for 30 mins on low stirring occasionally. Stir in the zest, peas and chilli flakes and season to taste.
Crumble in the ricotta and turn the heat off. Leave to rest for a min and serve. I usually add a touch more chilli, a good drizzle of olive oil and some chopped parsley to serve. Of course this dish would be perfect with a pile of parmesan sprinkled on top – but I’d eaten it all!
Double and quadruple the Smoked Chilli Farro Risotto to feed the masses!
We have served this for our conference guests and it is always a winner! Try it, add chicken or salmon, any vegetables you like and definitely parmesan!