Goat Cheese And Vegetable Farro Salad Recipes

FARRO AND KALE SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• To cook the farro, in a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed farro with at least three cups water (enough water to cover the farro by a couple of inches). Add the salt, bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until the farro is tender to the bite but still pleasantly chewy. (Pearled farro will take around 15 minutes; unprocessed farro will take 25 to 40 minutes.) Drain off the excess water and set aside.
• Meanwhile, place the chopped kale in a large serving bowl. Sprinkle it with a few dashes of salt and massage it with your hands by scrunching up large handfuls at a time until it's darker and more fragrant (this makes the kale taste less bitter and makes it easier to eat). Set aside.
• To toast the almonds, pour them into a small skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently (careful, they can burn), until the almonds are fragrant and starting to turn golden on the edges, about 4 to 5 minutes. Pour the almonds into the bowl of massaged kale.
• To prepare the vinaigrette, simply whisk the ingredients together in a liquid measuring cup or small bowl. Set aside.
• Once the farro has been cooked and drained, stir in the chopped dried cherries (so they have a chance to plump up a bit) and vinaigrette (the heat will temper the garlic a bit).
• Once the farro has cooled down to room temperature or close to it, stir it into the kale mixture. Gently crumble most of the goat cheese into the salad and lightly stir. Taste, and if the salad doesn't taste amazing yet, stir in more vinegar by the teaspoon until it does.
• Crumble the remaining goat cheese on top of the salad. Serve promptly, or refrigerate for later. This salad keeps well for four to five days in the refrigerator, covered.

FARRO, ROASTED BEET AND GOAT CHEESE SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Cut the greens off the beets and slice them into 1/2-inch pieces; reserve. Trim and discard the beet stems. Combine the beets, 2 tablespoons of the oil, 1 teaspoon salt, some pepper, 5 of the thyme sprigs and the garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, until easily pierced with a paring knife. Set aside to cool completely.
• Meanwhile, toast the pistachios in the oven for 5 minutes. Let cool.
• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan or lidded deep skillet over medium heat. Add the farro and toast for 2 minutes--the color will darken slightly and the farro will acquire a nutty fragrance. Add 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt and the remaining 5 thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25 minutes, or until al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). Drain the farro well and pour into a serving bowl.
• While the farro is still hot, add the beet greens, tossing to allow the heat to wilt the greens. Set aside to cool completely.
• With a paper towel, remove the skins from the beets. Quarter the beets and add them to the bowl with the farro. Fold in the toasted pistachios.
• Squeeze the roasted garlic into a small bowl. Mash with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Add the vinegar and then whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Adjust the seasoning as desired.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Top with the crumbled goat cheese.

KALE AND FARRO SALAD WITH AGED GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Combine the farro and water or stock in a medium saucepot. Bring to a simmer and cook until tender, 20 to 30 minutes, and then drain. Transfer to a bowl, season with salt and pepper and let cool.
• Remove and discard the ribs from the kale, then chiffonade the leaves finely and place in a bowl. Add the pomegranate seeds, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice and mix thoroughly. Stir in the farro and season the salad with salt and pepper. Divide among 4 deep plates or bowls and garnish with the shaved goat cheese.

GOAT CHEESE AND VEGETABLE FARRO SALAD

Steps:

• Rinse farro with cold water; drain. In 3-quart saucepan, mix 4 1/2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add farro; heat to boiling. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 to 25 minutes or until tender. Drain if necessary. Set aside.
• Heat charcoal or gas grill. Brush onion, bell peppers, asparagus, mushrooms and tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place onion, bell peppers and asparagus on grill. Cover grill; cook over medium heat 9 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add mushrooms during last 6 minutes and tomatoes during last 4 minutes of grilling. Cut grilled vegetables into bite-size pieces. Set aside.
• In small bowl, beat 5 tablespoons olive oil, the lemon juice, lemon peel, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper with whisk until well blended. Stir in cilantro.
• In large bowl, toss farro with 3 tablespoons dressing until well blended.
• Spoon farro onto serving platter; top with grilled vegetables. Drizzle remaining dressing over salad. Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese.