Creamy Farro with Spinach, Garlic, and Asiago 🍽️🌱

This creamy farro dish is a delightful blend of nutty grains, fresh greens, and rich cheese, making it a perfect main or side for any meal. The earthy flavors of garlic and spinach are beautifully highlighted by the savory Asiago, creating a comforting dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome!

Ingredients

For the farro base

• 1 cup of farro
• 3 cups of vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 shallot, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
• 3/4 cup grated Asiago cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

For garnish

• Freshly ground black pepper
• Extra grated Asiago cheese
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (for a little kick)

Instructions

• Rinse the farro under cool water. In a medium saucepan, combine the farro and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the farro is tender but chewy. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.

🥄 Make sure to check the package instructions, as cooking times for farro can vary! Toasting the farro in olive oil before boiling adds an extra nutty flavor.

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.

• Stir in the garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, cooking down until wilted.

🥗 Spinach reduces significantly in volume, so don't be alarmed by how much you add at first!

• Once the spinach has wilted, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Asiago, allowing it to melt and create a creamy sauce.

• Add the cooked farro to the skillet, mixing well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste and allow simmering for about 5 minutes.

🔥 If you want to elevate the creaminess, add a splash more of heavy cream or milk!

Variations

• Protein-Packed: Toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans for added protein.
• Vegan: Substitute heavy cream with a plant-based cream and swap out Asiago for nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
• Herbed Delight: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley for an added layer of flavor.
• Extra Veggies: Mix in some roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for a richer, heartier dish.

🍽️ This creamy farro pairs wonderfully with a light salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy this hearty, comforting dish any night of the week!