Farro Risotto with Spring Vegetables

THE BOUNTY OF SPRING
Spring marks the beginning of an exciting change in our seasonal food scene; a transition from the rich, warm flavors of winter to the light, delicate notes of spring.   It happens quietly. Spinach and arugula greens sprout.  Onions bloom.  Carrots, beets, parsnips and radishes wait to be pulled. Asparagus reaches for the sun and fennel bulbs grow. It is spring. A whole new cast of characters are on the food scene and the starring role belongs to spring vegetables!

 

Farro Risotto with Spring VegetablesRecipe by Chef Stacy Maple

Yield 4-6 servings

Chef Stacy demonstrating how to make
Farro-Risotto recipe at
Farmer D Organics in Decatur, GA

Ingredients:

½ Cup Farro
2 TB Extra Virgin Olive Oil
½ cup Shallot, diced small
2 oz Dry Sherry or Dry White Wine
2 Cup Chicken or Vegetable Stock
1 cup Carrots, peeled and diced medium
1 Cup Parsnip, peeled and diced medium
1 Cup Peas
1 Cup Asparagus Tips
1 tsp Salt
¼ tsp White Pepper, ground
2 TB Butter, optional
2 TB Heavy Cream, optional
2 TB Parmesan Cheese, grated, optional

 

 

Directions:

Step 1   Boil Farro in salted water until almost al dente. This will take a variable amount of time, approximately 10 minutes

Step 2   Sauté Shallots in Oil until translucent. Add Drained Farro and cook for 2 minutes.  Add Wine and cook until evaporated.

Making Farro-Risotto with the "RoboStir"

Step 3   Add ½ cup Stock or just enough to cover Farro, simmer to almost dry while stirring.

Step 4   Once Farro has absorbed almost all the liquid and the pan is almost dry, add additional 1/2 Cup of Stock or just enough to cover Farro. Continue simmering while stirring.

Step 5   Once Farro has absorbed almost all the liquid again, add the Carrots and Parsnips and additional ½ cup of Stock. Continue simmering while stirring.

Step 6   Once Farro has absorbed the liquid, add Asparagus and Peas along with remaining Stock.  Continue simmering while stirring until pan is almost dry and vegetables and Farro are barely al dente.

Step 7   Add Salt and Pepper. Remove from heat and stir in Butter and Cream

Step 8   Finish with Cheese, adjust seasoning and serve immediately.