Cold nights and fond memories inspired this cozy dish. From my childhood days of savoring my mom’s farro salad to crafting my unique spin on it, this Pearl Farro with Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe is my ode to those cherished moments.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 40 minutes
How Many Servings?
4-6 Servings
Table of Contents
Farro Salad Recipe Ingredients:
- One Small Butternut Squash (Peeled and Cubed): The sweet and creamy base of the salad, roasted to perfection.
- Olive Oil: Drizzled over the butternut squash for a luscious and rich flavor.
- Cinnamon, Salt, and Black Pepper: A trio of seasonings to enhance the squash’s natural sweetness, adding warmth and depth.
- Pearl Farro (Washed and Strained): The wholesome and chewy grain that forms the heart of the salad.
- White Pearl Onions (Peeled and Kept Whole): Add a delicate sweetness and visual appeal.
- Cinnamon Stick, Star Anise, Crushed Cardamom Pods: Infuse aromatic and exotic notes into the farro during cooking.
- Water with 1 tbsp Honey: The cooking liquid imparts a subtle sweetness to the farro.
- Finely Chopped Italian Parsley: Adds a burst of fresh and herbaceous flavor, enhancing the salad’s vibrancy.
- Toasted Slivered Almonds: Provide a delightful crunch and nutty essence to the salad.
- Barberries (Optional): These small, tangy berries add a burst of flavor. Substitute with dried cranberries or currants for a similar effect.
Barberries are small, red berries with a tart flavor. To substitute, use dried cranberries or currants for a sweet and tangy kick
What is Farro?
Farro, an ancient grain celebrated for its distinctive nutty flavor and chewy texture, elevates dishes from salads to risottos. Beyond taste, its nutritional profile shines with rich fiber and protein, making it a wholesome choice. A cup of dry farro yields three cups cooked, offering versatility unmatched by mainstream grains. Quinoa or barley may suffice as alternatives for those seeking to replicate Farro’s unique essence but can’t replicate it. Time-tested, farro remains a beloved staple in both traditional and modern cuisines.
Pearl Onions for Your Farro Salad?
When cooking this farro salad recipe, the choice of onion can subtly enhance the overall flavor profile. For this dish, I have a personal inclination towards pearl onions. These miniature, white bulbs offer a more nuanced and milder flavor than their regular-sized counterparts. They perfectly complement the nutty chewiness of cooked Farro. If you’re navigating the aisles of your local grocery store, you’ll typically find these little gems nestled in the produce section. When it comes to preparation, simplicity is vital. If you’re working with smaller pearl onions, cook them whole. However, a simple halving will do the trick for slightly larger ones, ensuring even cooking and a burst of subtle sweetness in every bite of your bowl.
How to Prepare Butternut Squash?
Butternut squash, a vibrant and flavorful addition to any farro salad, is relatively easy to prep. Choose a heavier squash, indicating a juicy and delicious interior. Start using a sharp knife to trim the top and bottom, creating a stable base. Position the squash upright and peel its skin using a vegetable peeler, moving from top to bottom. Once peeled, slice it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. If you’re in a hurry or prefer convenience, many grocery stores offer pre-cut butternut squash as a handy alternative for your recipe.
Spices for Your Farro Salad
The magic of a memorable farro bowl often lies in the spices. For this butternut squash and farro salad recipe, I gravitate towards warm spices that elevate the dish’s flavors. Cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cardamom are my top picks. Their aromatic blend imparts a harmonious spicy-sweet undertone, complementing the inherent sweetness of butternut squash. While many opt for stock, water accentuates these spices without overshadowing their nuanced flavors. Olive oil is my primary cooking medium, but butter or ghee are decadent alternatives that add depth and richness if you want to experiment.
Preparation
Discard the cinnamon stick, star anise, and cardamom pods.
Embrace the flavors of winter with this hearty Pearl Farro Salad With Roasted Butternut Squash dish. Infused with aromatic spices and garnished with tangy barberries, every bite promises a taste of warmth and nostalgia. Perfect for family dinners or a quiet evening in.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 40 minutes
How Many Servings?
4-6 Servings
Ingredients:
Adjust Servings
| 1 small butternut squash (peeled and cut into cubes) | |
| 1 tablespoon olive oil | |
| ¼ teaspoon cinnamon | |
| ½ teaspoon salt | |
| ¼ teaspoon black pepper |
For the pearled farro, washed and strained
| 1 cup pearl Farro | |
| 10 white pearl onions | |
| 1 stick cinnamon | |
| 2 anise stars | |
| 5 cardamom pods (crushed) | |
| 2 ½ cups water mixed with one tablespoon of honey | |
| 1 teaspoon salt | |
| ¼ cup chopped fine Italian parsley | |
| ¼ cup toasted slivered almond | |
| ¼ cup dry barberries (optional) |
Preparation
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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