Farro Risotto

The most challenging part of this wonderful dish...locating the correct farro. Who knew that would be such a scavenger hunt. Tara was able to locate the ten-minute version, but that would be akin to using instant oatmeal when cooking oats were called for.  She was not able to locate pearled or semi pearled as the recipe called for and had to settle for regular. As such, it was a good thing she started the recipe early. She had intended to use the additional 90 minutes to visit with friends before joining up with us at Supper Club. Instead she spent it waiting for the farro to cook. Moral of the story, if you can not locate pearl or semi-pearl farro, give yourself plenty of time. 

This dish was well balanced. As not a huge fan of mushrooms, I was delighted that they were not a huge player in the flavor profile. the butternut squash provided substance without too much sweetness. Tara doubled the recipe and by the end of the evening went home with an empty container. We licked it clean.

Farro Risotto

INGREDIENTS


2½ cups butternut squash, cut into ½-inch cubes
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. sage, chopped
1 cup farro (pearled or semi pearled)
3 tbsp. butter
4 shallots, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 sprig thyme
½ cup white wine
1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
2 cups shiitake mushrooms, chopped
1½ cups shredded parmesan
1 tbsp. crème fraiche

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Toss the squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until the edges are browned and crisp. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle 1 tablespoon sage over the still hot squash.

2. Meanwhile, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in your farro and cook for 15 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid, and set aside.

3. In a 4 quart pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add in the chopped shiitakes and sauté, about 3 minutes, remove from pan and set aside.

4. Melt the butter in the same pan over medium heat. Add in the shallots, garlic and thyme. Let cook until the shallots become slightly caramelized, about 3 minutes.

6. Add the farro and stir, coating each kernel with butter. Add in the white wine and let simmer off.

5. Turn the heat down to low and begin alternately adding in the chicken stock and the farro cooking liquid, a ¼ cup at a time, stirring continuously with each addition. Do not add more liquid until the previous ¼ cup has been completely absorbed by the farro. This process should take about 25–30 minutes. After the last addition, stir until about ⅔ of the liquid has been absorbed, and add in the mushrooms and roasted squash.

6. Fold in the cheese and stir until just melted.

7. Fold in the crème fraiche and remaining chopped sage for garnish, season with salt and pepper.

A double batch...and we licked the bowl clean!