Farro with Roasted Pepper Sauce

Name: Farro with Roasted Pepper Sauce
Yield: serves 8 to 10 as a side dish
Ingredients: 2 medium red bell peppers; 2 medium yellow bell peppers; 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 4 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 cup golden raisins; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 2 bay leaves, preferably fresh; 1 garlic clove, crushed and peeled; 1/2 teaspoon peperoncino flakes, or to taste; 4 cups (one 35-ounce can) canned Italian plum tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, crushed by hand; 1 pound farro; 1 bay leaf, preferably fresh; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 cup grated Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley; A baking sheet lined with baking parchment; a heavy 3-or 4-quart saucepan for the farro; a heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan, 12-inch diameter or larger

December 9, 2011

Farro, a variety of wheat also known as emmer, was one of the first domesticated crops. It is a low-yielding grain and difficult to cultivate; hence it fell out of favor in much of the world. But in Italy, farro has always been appreciated. The Roman legions ground it to make puls, a version of polenta, and today it is still used to make great soups, or side dishes like this recipe. Served warm or at room temperature, it is wonderful with grilled meats, and a great item on a buffet table. If you want to turn it into a main course, just add shrimp, clams, mussels, or canned tuna. Though farro is the best choice for this recipe, you can substitute spelt, barley, or other grains, adjusting cooking times. And in place of bell peppers, you can flavor the dish with other vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant in the summer, or squash and/or mushrooms in the fall.

Recipe notes

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Black Sesame Tofu “Basque” Cheesecake

There are many things that appeal about a Basque cheesecake—it's crustless (one less job) and is meant to look “rustic” with its wrinkled and jagged sides.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.