This take on risotto is made with farro instead of rice. Farro is a nutty grain similar to barley, with a unique earthy flavor and satisfying density. The oldest cultivated grain in the world; it is a great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber and protein, with a half-cup of raw farro containing 5g of fiber and 6g of protein.
Ingredients | Corn Puree
- 1 ½ cups fresh corn kernels
- ½ cup minced onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fine sea salt
- 2 cups vegetable broth (more if needed)
Ingredients | Farrotto
- 2 cups vegetable broth (more if needed)
- 1 cup regular or semi-pearled farro
- Fine sea salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup minced red onion
- 1/3 cup ¼” cubes red or yellow bell pepper
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (cut from 1 ear)
- ¾ cup finely grated Parmesan
- ½ cup chopped tomato
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Preparation
- Bring 2 cups broth, farro, a pinch of salt, and 1-cup water to a simmer in a large saucepan.
- Cook until farro is tender, 30-45 minutes (semi-pearled farro will cook faster than regular).
- Drain and return to the pot.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until just beginning to soften, about 3 minutes.
- Add bell pepper and corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to brown, about 5 minutes longer; keep warm.
- Add corn puree to farro and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding more broth by ¼-cupfulls if dry, until farrotto is very creamy, 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir tomatoes and basil into vegetables.
- Divide farrotto among bowls.
- Top with vegetable mixture, dividing equally.
- Serve immediately.
Source: Bon Appétit