Indulge in a symphony of flavors with this delectable pesto farro bowl, a culinary masterpiece that artfully combines the nutty goodness of farro, the vibrant green of pesto, tender chicken, smoked mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes. Embark on a taste journey where each ingredient harmoniously blends to create a delightful symphony of textures and flavors.
This dish is not just a meal; it's an experience. The hearty farro, cooked to perfection, provides a satisfying base, while the flavorful pesto, made from a blend of fresh herbs, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, adds a burst of aromatic goodness. Succulent chicken, seared until golden brown, adds a savory touch, while the melted smoked mozzarella lends a smoky and gooey richness.
But the true stars of this dish are the juicy tomatoes, bursting with sun-ripened sweetness. They bring a refreshing vibrancy to the bowl, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients. Every spoonful promises a delightful interplay of flavors and textures, leaving you craving more.
CHICKEN CAPRESE
Originating in Capri, Caprese mimics the colors of the Italian flag in salad form using the now-classic combination of mozzarella, tomato and basil. Here, that trinity transforms everyday chicken cutlets into something special. Thanks to the proliferation of hothouse tomatoes (which are better enjoyed cooked than raw), this dish can be enjoyed year-round. Cocktail tomatoes, slightly larger than a golf ball and often sold on the vine, are perfect for this, but any size will work. Simple to assemble, this dish forms its own delicious pan sauce as the liquid from the cheese and tomatoes mingles with the caramelized juices from the browned chicken.
Provided by Susan Spungen
Categories dinner, quick, one pot, poultry, main course
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Pat chicken dry. Cut a lengthwise pocket into the thick side of each breast without cutting all the way through to the other side. Season breasts inside and out using 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- Stuff each breast with a quarter of the mozzarella, 2 to 3 tomato slices (depending on size) and 4 to 5 basil leaves. Enclose the filling as much as possible by pulling the chicken over the filling. (The chicken can be prepared to this point, covered and refrigerated up to 24 hours.)
- Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch nonstick pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic, stirring, until golden, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, scoop out garlic and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the oil in the pan.
- Increase heat to medium-high and sauté chicken until golden on the bottom, about 6 minutes. If the breasts darken too quickly, lower heat. Flip and cook for 5 minutes, then cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes more, or until chicken is cooked through and filling is hot.
- Using a spatula, carefully transfer chicken to a platter or four plates. Pour pan juices over the chicken. Garnish with pesto, reserved garlic and remaining basil leaves.
GRILLED PESTO PIZZA WITH MARINATED MOZZARELLA AND TOMATOES
Provided by Valerie Bertinelli
Categories main-dish
Time 1h
Yield 3 mini pizzas
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Add to a high-powered blender the basil, arugula, Parmesan, garlic and a pinch of salt and blend while streaming in the mozzarella oil until smooth. Taste and add salt as needed. Set aside.
- Preheat an outdoor grill to high (500 to 550 F.) While your grill is heating, lightly oil a large sheet pan (or 3 half-sheet pans) and place your dough balls on top. Use your fingers to stretch the pizza dough balls into a loose circle or oval about 1/8-inch-thick. Don't get too hung up on the shape, irregular is beautiful. Work your way around the dough to make sure that it's an even thickness throughout. Lightly brush oil on the top of the dough as well. Lightly sprinkle the tomatoes with salt.
- Place your doughs on the hot grill and close the lid. Cook until golden brown char marks appear and the doughs are cooked on the underside, 2 to 3 minutes. Open the lid of the grill, flip the doughs over and quickly spoon the pesto over top of the cooked side leaving a little border for the crust. Top with the sliced tomatoes and marinated mozzarella. Close the lid and cook until the cheese melts and the doughs are completely cooked through, about 3 minutes. Remove from the grill and enjoy.
FARRO WITH COARSE PESTO
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories side-dish
Time 35m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add the farro and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the farro, covered, until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain farro and set aside in a large bowl.
- Meanwhile, in a food processor combine the parsley, basil, thyme, and garlic. Pulse until the herbs are roughly chopped. Add the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pulse again until the herbs make a coarse mixture.
- Toss the warm farro with the coarse pesto. Transfer to a serving bowl. Using a vegetable peeler on the cheese wedge to make about 1/2 cup of cheese shavings. Top the farro with the cheese shavings and serve.
FARRO WITH BLISTERED TOMATOES, PESTO AND SPINACH
Here is an Italian-inspired recipe that uses store-bought or homemade pesto to season farro, which is then tossed with fresh spinach, roasted tomatoes, red onions and mozzarella for a complete vegetarian meal. Make it with fresh-from-the-market cherry tomatoes when they're in season, but during the rest of the year, use grape tomatoes, as they tend to be more flavorful than cherry during the colder months. If you'd like, substitute arugula, or cooked broccoli rabe or kale, for the spinach. It tastes delicious warm or cold the next day - and topping it with shrimp, chicken or scallops can make it feel new again. Before reheating, add a bit more spinach, drizzle it with a little olive oil and give it a good stir.
Provided by Yasmin Fahr
Categories dinner, weekday, grains and rice, vegetables, main course
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Bring a large covered pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the farro and adjust the heat to maintain a medium boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom, until tender and not too chewy, about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, on a sheet pan, combine the tomatoes and onion wedges with the oil, making sure everything is well coated and glistening, then season with salt, pepper and the red-pepper flakes. Roast until the tomatoes blister and slightly deflate, 25 to 30 minutes.
- When the farro is done, drain, then pour into a serving bowl or back into the pot. Toss with some olive oil, then mix in the pesto. Add the lemon zest and juice, then stir in the spinach. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Scrape the onions, tomatoes and their juices into the farro; season with salt and pepper as needed. Add the cheese, if using, then garnish with herbs and serve.
Tips:
- Use a food processor to quickly and easily make the pesto.
- If you don't have a food processor, you can chop the basil, garlic, and pine nuts by hand.
- Use a large skillet or Dutch oven to cook the farro.
- Cook the farro according to the package directions.
- Add the pesto, chicken, smoked mozzarella, and tomatoes to the farro and stir to combine.
- Serve the pesto farro immediately.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Conclusion:
Pesto farro with chicken, smoked mozzarella, and tomatoes is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The pesto adds a flavorful and creamy sauce to the farro, while the chicken, smoked mozzarella, and tomatoes add protein and flavor. This dish is also a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables.
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