Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Spelt/Farro Salad

Back in December of 2008, when my blog was just starting and there were very, very few readers, I posted a favorite salad recipe.  I just put it together again and feel it needs repeating.  This is very good and very healthy.

After a trip to Italy where we found "farro" on the menu a lot, I did some searching to find out more about this grain.  It is very similar to "spelt" and often, in the US, you can find it by the name spelt..  I usually get a large bag of it when I am at Whole Foods.  It looks sort of like barley, cooks the same way, and to me, smells like oatmeal while it is cooking.


Starting tomorrow, we will again be volunteering at Disney for the Children's Miracle Network Golf Classic which means we leave home before 6 a.m. and get home after 6 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.  That means a quick, hearty, simple dinner will be necessary in the evening.  I made a large batch of this salad as it "cures" nicely.  I also used what was available in my refrigerator this morning, so most anything goes.

Spelt/Farro Salad

In salted water, boil farro for 40-45 minutes.  Drain and let cool.  In the meantime, dice into small pieces, tomatoes, zucchini, radishes, spring onions, red bell pepper, and finely chop parsley.  Mix with the cooled farro.

Make a vinaigrette with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, touch of honey and salt and pepper.  Blend and mix into the salad.  Enjoy.

12 comments:

  1. I've never tried farro and a blog friend from Maine sent me a bag of it. I still haven't cooked it :/ and I have no idea why! This does look like a tasty and healthy salad.

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  2. I love this salad, Susan, but I had forgotten about it. I'll have to make it for the busy weekend we have ahead. Have a good time at the event. Blessings...Mary

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  3. I'll have to give this salad a try. You know how I love salads and I've never tried farro.

    You brought back memories of three years ago. I remember well. You were one of my first friends.
    Sam

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  4. I have to admit,I have never heard of this; now ou have me alll curious; just love to find something new that is Good. Don't work too hard; I know volunteering can be tiring. Enjoy!
    Rita

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  5. That sounds so healthy and good. I'm another one who has never tried farro!

    Enjoy the golf classic! We used to take our girls to DisneyWorld at the end of October during teacher's convention and there was usually a golf tournament going on.

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  6. I have never prepared farro but, I have enjoyed it. It is an awesome grain.

    Great way to enjoy a healthy meal.

    Cheers.
    Velva

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  7. I use spelt flour, but have never seen the whole grain spelt. I will look for it. My sil Christa in Germany first told me about it, 19years ago now...

    My favorite grain, though it isn't one, is buckwheat. A cup of it beaten with an egg and sauteed until the egg is gone and then steamed in 2 cups of water. A very distinctive delicious taste, to me. I wonder if I could use that in a salad of sorts.......?

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  8. I have a big bag of farro, Susan. We love it. Makes such super salads AND I saw Giada make some kind of casserole with it. All cheesy looking. Haven't made it yet, but I copied the recipe.

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  9. I am a huge fan of farrow! Thanks for sharing this delicious looking salad!

    Also, thank you for your kind words about my mom, we have a huge hole in our hearts.

    Mary

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  10. I have never had it.
    I am guessing Trout is better.?
    I hope you enjoy your volunteering at DW!

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  11. I don't know that I've ever eaten farro but it sounds so healthy and looks delicious so I'm going to have to investigate. I'll look for it the next time I'm in Whole Foods. One of my New Year's resolutions is to get more grains into my diet. This looks like a tasty way to do it.

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  12. I love farro, too! Your salad looks divine~

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