Introduction
This delicious farro salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, combining hearty grains, roasted tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy goat cheese. It is not only nutritious but also visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch or a delightful side dish. The sizzled dressing adds a burst of flavor, rounding out the harmonious ingredients.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Farro:
– 1 cup (200g) farro
– 2 cups (500ml) water
– 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Roasted Tomatoes:
– 250g cherry tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salad:
– 2 cups (60g) baby spinach, roughly chopped
– 100g goat’s cheese or Danish feta, crumbled
Sizzled Dressing:
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25-30 minutes
Total Time
40-45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Directions
1. Cook Farro:
– Rinse the farro under cold water.
– In a medium saucepan, combine the farro, water, apple cider vinegar, and salt.
– Bring to a boil over high heat.
– Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the farro is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
– Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
– Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
2. Roast Tomatoes:
– Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
– Place the cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet.
– Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
– Toss to coat evenly.
– Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly charred.
– Remove from the oven and set aside.
3. Prepare Sizzled Dressing:
– In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the sliced garlic, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using).
– Cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic is golden and the spices are fragrant.
– Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
– Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Assemble Salad:
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked farro, roasted tomatoes (with their juices), and chopped spinach.
– Pour the sizzled dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
– Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl.
– Scatter the crumbled goat’s cheese or Danish feta over the top.
– Serve warm or at room temperature.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook Farro
– Rinse the farro under cold water.
– In a medium saucepan, combine the farro, water, apple cider vinegar, and salt.
– Bring to a boil over high heat.
– Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the farro is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
– Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
– Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
Roast Tomatoes
– Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
– Place the cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet.
– Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
– Toss to coat evenly.
– Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly charred.
– Remove from the oven and set aside.
Prepare Sizzled Dressing
– In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the sliced garlic, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using).
– Cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic is golden and the spices are fragrant.
– Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
– Set aside to cool slightly.
Assemble Salad
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked farro, roasted tomatoes (with their juices), and chopped spinach.
– Pour the sizzled dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
– Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl.
– Scatter the crumbled goat’s cheese or Danish feta over the top.
– Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Farro Cooking
– Monitor the farro during cooking to ensure it does not become mushy. Adjust cooking time for desired texture.
Roasting Tomatoes
– For added flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or oregano before roasting the tomatoes.
Adjusting Spice Levels
– Modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preference for heat in the sizzled dressing.
Serving Suggestions
– This salad can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side. Pair it with grilled vegetables or a protein of your choice for a complete meal.
Cook Techniques
Rinsing Farro
Rinsing farro removes excess starch and helps prevent it from becoming gummy during cooking, ensuring a better texture.
Simmering Farro
Simmering allows the farro to absorb moisture and flavors. Keep the heat low and cover the pot to create steam for even cooking.
Roasting Tomatoes
Roasting concentrates the flavor of the tomatoes and gives them a sweet, slightly charred taste. Tossing them in oil and seasoning before roasting enhances their natural sweetness.
Sizzling Dressing
Sizzling the dressing with garlic and spices in hot oil releases their essential oils and flavors, resulting in a more aromatic and tasty dressing.
Combining Ingredients
Tossing the cooked farro, roasted tomatoes, and spinach thoroughly ensures that each ingredient is evenly coated with the sizzled dressing, maximizing flavor in every bite.
FAQ
Can I use other grains instead of farro?
Yes, you can substitute farro with other grains such as quinoa, barley, or bulgur, adjusting the cooking times accordingly.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and improve.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can omit the cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative to make the salad fully vegan.
How do I ensure the tomatoes don’t burn while roasting?
Keep an eye on them near the end of the roasting time, and adjust the oven temperature if necessary. If they start to darken too much, you can remove them early.
What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?
You can substitute apple cider vinegar with red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.
Conclusion
This hearty farro salad complemented by roasted tomatoes and a flavorful sizzled dressing offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes. The combination of nutty farro, juicy tomatoes, and creamy goat’s cheese creates a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal—whether as a side or a main. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to your dining table.
Farro and Roasted Vegetable Bowl
Combine cooked farro with a mix of roasted seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze for added sweetness.
Farro with Chickpeas and Avocado
Mix farro with canned chickpeas, diced avocado, and a lemon-tahini dressing for a protein-packed, creamy salad that’s refreshing and filling.
Greek Farro Salad
Add diced cucumbers, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and red onion to cooked farro. Toss with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like parsley and oregano.
Farro and Apple Autumn Salad
Incorporate diced apples, walnuts, and celery into farro for a crunchy, sweet, and savory salad. Top with a maple-mustard dressing to enhance the autumn flavors.
Spicy Farro and Black Bean Salad
Mix cooked farro with black beans, corn, diced jalapeños, and a cilantro-lime dressing for a zesty and satisfying side dish or light meal.
Farro with Pesto and Parmesan
Toss cooked farro with homemade or store-bought pesto and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an easy and aromatic dish that pairs well with grilled meats.
