Ah, the joys of a one-pan meal—it’s like a culinary hug, especially when the chaos of life leaves you craving simplicity. This Italian Farro with Sausage and Tomatoes is your weeknight superhero, saving you from a sink full of dishes and delivering a burst of flavors that dance on your tongue like an unexpected encore at a concert. I mean, who knew grains could be this exciting?
Steps
- Begin by heating a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and diced onion to the pot, breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté the mixture for about 8-10 minutes until the sausage is fully cooked and browned. Stir in the minced garlic and continue sautéing for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, followed by the semi-pearled farro, cherry tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and continue cooking for 25 to 30 minutes until the farro is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
- Incorporate the fresh spinach and chopped basil into the pot, gently tossing them until the spinach wilts. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if necessary.
- Serve the dish warm, topping it with toasted pine nuts, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and additional basil if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (traditional or plant-based)
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups semi-pearled farro
- 24 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 ounces (about 2 large handfuls) fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish
- 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
- Freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use either traditional Italian sausage or plant-based sausage. Both options work well and allow you to choose the flavor profile you prefer, such as mild, spicy, or sweet.
- What kind of tomatoes should I use?
- Fresh cherry or grape tomatoes are recommended for this recipe. They are particularly delicious when in season and add a burst of flavor to the dish.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Absolutely! You can substitute traditional Italian sausage with a plant-based option to make this dish vegetarian without sacrificing flavor.
- Is it possible to add more vegetables?
- Yes, feel free to add any additional vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers, to enhance the dish with more flavors and textures.
- How can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
- To increase the heat, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference. For a milder dish, simply reduce the amount used.
Tips
- Choose the Right Farro: Opt for semi-pearled farro, which cooks in about 30 minutes, aligning perfectly with the other ingredients. If using pearled or un-pearled farro, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Experiment with Sausage Types: Both traditional and plant-based Italian sausage work well in this dish. Feel free to select your preferred flavor, whether it’s mild, spicy, or sweet.
- Incorporate Seasonal Vegetables: Enhance the dish by adding extra vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers, for added nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust the Spice to Your Preference: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider increasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Equipment
- Large Stockpot: A good quality pot for browning the sausage and simmering the farro and other ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon: Useful for stirring and breaking up the sausage while it cooks.
- Garlic Press: If they choose to press the garlic instead of mincing it by hand, a garlic press could be useful.
- Cheese Grater: For freshly grating the Parmesan cheese.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like broth, farro, and spices.
