Charred Savory Grain Dish (Printable)
Smoky grain with charred vegetables and herbs, ideal for a flavorful side or light main course.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup farro (or substitute with barley, freekeh, or quinoa)
02 - 2 cups vegetable broth
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
05 - 1 small red onion, sliced
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
→ Aromatics & Herbs
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
→ Seasonings & Oils
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
13 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
# How-To Steps:
01 - Rinse the farro under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine farro and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until tender. Drain excess liquid if necessary.
02 - While the grains cook, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion. Sear without stirring for 2–3 minutes to char, then toss and continue cooking 5–6 minutes until vegetables are tender and have visible char marks.
03 - Add cherry tomatoes and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until tomatoes soften and garlic is fragrant.
04 - Reduce heat to medium. Add cooked grains to the pan with vegetables. Stir in smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
05 - Remove from heat. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm as a side or main dish.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The charred vegetables give it that irresistible grilled flavor even in winter
- It is hearty enough to stand alone but humble enough to play sidekick
02 -
- Do not stir the vegetables too frequently at the beginning or they will steam instead of char
- The pan must be properly hot before adding the vegetables or you will not get those gorgeous grill marks
03 -
- Drying your vegetables thoroughly before adding them to the pan helps them char instead of steam
- Let the finished dish sit for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle