FARRO WITH ROASTED SQUASH, FETA AND MINT

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Farro With Roasted Squash, Feta and Mint image

Falling somewhere between a grain bowl and a warm grain salad, this colorful dish is substantial enough to be a meatless main course, or it makes a hearty side dish to simple roasted meat or fish. You can use whatever kind of squash you like here, either peeled or unpeeled. Squash skin is perfectly edible; let anyone who objects cut theirs away at the table (though see if you can get them to try it first). If you don't have farro, you can substitute brown rice. Just increase the cooking time by about 20 minutes.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     dinner, lunch, weekday, weeknight, grains and rice, salads and dressings, vegetables, main course, side dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, more as needed
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste
3 pounds winter squash, such as kabocha, carnival or butternut, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices (leave the peels on or remove as desired)
1 1/2 cups apple cider
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, more to taste
1 1/2 cups farro
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, more to taste
2 garlic cloves, grated on a Microplane or minced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
7 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more as needed
3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 3/4 cup)
Fresh mint or arugula leaves, or both

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 450 degrees. Prepare the squash: In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, sugar, cinnamon, salt, pepper and cayenne. Add squash and toss well to coat with the spiced oil. Lay the squash pieces out flat on one or two rimmed baking sheets.
  • Roast squash until the bottoms are golden, 10 to 15 minutes. Carefully turn the pieces over and continue to roast until tender, another 10 to 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the farro: In a medium pot, bring the apple cider, 2 cups water and the salt to a simmer. Add farro and simmer until water is absorbed and the farro is tender, 20 to 30 minutes. If the liquid evaporates before the farro is done, add a little more water. Or, if there's still liquid in the pot when the farro is done, drain it.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, garlic and pepper. Whisk in olive oil. Add farro and toss well, adding more oil or salt, or both, if needed.
  • To serve, spoon the farro on a platter and top with the squash, feta, mint or arugula, or both, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 511, UnsaturatedFat 21 grams, Carbohydrate 60 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 11 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 888 milligrams, Sugar 16 grams

Star Status
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Overall, I thought this dish was just okay. It wasn't bad, but it didn't wow me either.


Famida jannat Famida jannat
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This recipe is way too complicated. I ended up just winging it and it turned out fine.


Tika devi regmi
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I followed the recipe exactly and my farro turned out mushy. I think I overcooked it.


Lina Selim
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This dish is a bit bland for my taste. I would add some extra spices or herbs next time.


chinedu charles
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I'm not a big fan of feta cheese, so I substituted goat cheese instead. It was still delicious!


Coolman eeverr
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This dish is a great way to use up leftover roasted squash. I always have some on hand in the fall and winter.


Spring Valley
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I love how easy this dish is to make. I can have it on the table in under 30 minutes.


Hasso Khan
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This farro dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. It's a great way to get your daily dose of whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats.


Brian L
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I've made this dish several times now and it always turns out great. It's a perfect meal prep option for busy weeknights.


Enaishaa
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This is my new favorite fall recipe! The colors are so vibrant and the flavors are amazing. I highly recommend trying this dish.


Lorri Gaters
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I made this dish last night and it was a hit with my family! The farro was cooked perfectly and the roasted squash was delicious. I especially loved the feta and mint topping.


Haji Bright Enterprise
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This farro dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The roasted squash adds a touch of sweetness, while the feta cheese provides a salty tang. The mint adds a refreshing pop of flavor. Overall, this is a well-balanced and satisfying dish.