Farro, an ancient grain boasting a nutty flavor and chewy texture, takes center stage in this delectable side dish recipe. Paired with earthy wild mushrooms, this combination offers a sophisticated yet surprisingly simple culinary experience. The earthy notes of the mushrooms perfectly complement the subtle sweetness of the farro, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will elevate any meal. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a healthy and satisfying alternative to traditional sides. It's surprisingly quick to prepare, even with the added depth of flavor from the wild mushrooms.
Beyond its deliciousness, this farro and wild mushroom recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the seasonings to your liking or add other vegetables for extra depth. Ready to create this flavorful and satisfying dish? Let's dive into the easy step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Dried porcini mushrooms: a tiny amount
- Fresh brown cremini mushrooms
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pearled farro
- Chicken broth: 3 cups
- Diced onion: 1/2
- Minced garlic
- Creme fraiche
- Fresh Italian parsley
- Parmesan reggiano
- Black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Mushrooms and Aromatics
- Soak dried porcini mushrooms in warm water for 20-30 minutes until soft enough to dice.
- Remove stems from fresh cremini mushrooms and cube them.
- Sauté mushrooms in olive oil with a pinch of salt until they have some color and release moisture, then re-absorb it.
- Add chopped dried porcini mushrooms to the pan and sauté for a few minutes.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
- Add minced garlic and stir for about a minute. Do not brown the garlic.
Step 2. Cook the Farro
- Rinse pearled farro in cold water.
- Add farro to the pan, coating it with olive oil. Add 1 cup of chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Add the remaining 2 cups of chicken broth, bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove lid and continue cooking and stirring until farro reaches desired tenderness, adjusting moisture as needed (adding more broth if too dry, increasing heat to dry if too wet).
Step 3. Finish and Season
- Reduce heat to low, stir in creme fraiche, salt, pepper, and fresh Italian parsley.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Garnish with parmesan reggiano cheese and fresh parsley (optional).
Read more: Delicious Chicken Maqluba Rice Recipe (Sinhala)
Tips
- Use good knife skills for uniformly sized mushroom pieces.
- Make sure you use pearled farro for this recipe.
- Adjust cooking time and moisture to achieve your desired farro texture.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-450
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbs: 50-60g
- Protein: 10-15g
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of mushrooms instead of wild mushrooms?
Yes! Cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms are all excellent substitutes. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the mushroom type.
2. How do I store leftover farro with wild mushrooms?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the farro and mushrooms ahead of time. Store them separately and combine just before serving to prevent the farro from becoming soggy.
This farro and wild mushroom recipe is a delicious and satisfying side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Its earthy flavors and hearty texture make it a versatile complement to a variety of main courses. Enjoy the simple elegance of this ancient grain, elevated by the rich taste of wild mushrooms!