Ease of Preparation: Easy
Yield: Serves 4-6
FARRO SALAD WITH ACORN SQUASH
The chewy texture and nutty flavour of farro adds body to this salad while pairing perfectly with the sweet, autumnal notes of the acorn squash and the pops of pomegranate tartness.
Ingredients:
Salad:
- 1 acorn squash, halved, seeds removed, sliced into half-moons, ½ inch (1.25 cm) thick
- Olive oil, for tossing
- Salt and pepper
- 6 cups (1.4 L) vegetable stock
- 2 cups (470 ml) farro
- 1 bay leaf
Vinaigrette:
- 6 tablespoons (90 ml) apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) Dijon Mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, grated on a rasp
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
- 1 cup (240 ml) olive oil
- Salt and pepper
To Assemble:
- Reserved farro
- 2 shallots, small dice
- ½ cup (120 ml) hazelnuts, toasted and crushed
- Vinaigrette
- Roasted Squash (see above)
- 1 bunch (2 cups/470 ml) arugula
- ½ bunch basil leaves, torn
- ½ bunch parsley, chopped
- 1 pomegranate, seeds only
Method:
For the Salad:
Preheat oven to 400 F (205 C).
In a bowl, toss squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Lay out squash slices on a lined sheet pan and roast until tender and golden, roughly 15 minutes. Remove and allow to cool to room temperature.
Bring vegetable stock to a boil in a large pot and add farro and bay leaf.
Reduce to a simmer and cook until farro Is al dente, 20-25 minutes.
Strain farro and discard bay leaf. Spread farro on an oiled sheet pan, tossing with a little more olive oil to prevent clumping. Reserve for assembly.
For the Vinaigrette:
In a mason jar, combine apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Screw on the lid and shake vigorously to emulsify.
To Assemble:
If needed, reheat the squash in oven until warm, 3-4 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix the reserved farro, shallots, and hazelnuts with some of the dressing.
Transfer the warm squash to a serving tray.
Fold the arugula, basil, and parsley into the farro salad.
Spoon farro-arugula salad over and around the acorn squash.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds, more hazelnuts, and additional dressing.
Serve immediately