Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched hills of Italy with just one forkful - this Roasted Tomato Farro Salad is that magical culinary escape! Bursting with caramelized cherry tomatoes, nutty farro, fresh basil, and tangy feta, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this incredibly easy yet impressive dish promises to elevate your meal game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting the tomatoes, allowing them to caramelize and develop rich flavors.
- Rinse the farro under cold water to remove any debris. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of farro with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the farro simmer for about 30 minutes, or until tender. If the farro is still chewy, you can add a bit more water and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
- While the farro is cooking, prepare the cherry tomatoes. Rinse them under cold water and cut each tomato in half. Place the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle the tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes evenly in the oil and seasoning.
- Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Stir halfway through to ensure even roasting.
- Once the farro is cooked, drain any excess water and fluff it with a fork. Transfer the farro to a large mixing bowl.
- When the tomatoes are done roasting, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Add the roasted tomatoes, along with any juices from the baking sheet, to the bowl with the farro.
- Add the chopped fresh basil and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the roasted tomato farro salad warm or at room temperature.
- This salad can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side, and it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or fish. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Use fresh cherry tomatoes and good olive oil for the best flavor profile.
- Don't rush the roasting process: Allow tomatoes to caramelize slowly, which intensifies their natural sweetness.
- Rinse farro thoroughly to remove any dust or debris before cooking.
- For extra flavor, you can toast the farro in a dry pan for a few minutes before boiling to enhance its nutty taste.
- Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes after mixing to allow flavors to meld together.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 6mg
