Farro with Baby Artichokes, Mushrooms, and Peas

artichokesalad.jpgMakes 4 servings

1/2 cup uncooked farro
8 baby artichokes, or 2 regular sized ones
The juice of 1 small lemon
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup sliced white button or cremini mushrooms
1 shallot, thinly sliced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup cannelini beans, drained
1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup fresh or unthawed frozen peas
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 tablespoons lightly toasted pistachio nuts
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

1. Soak farro in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain. Place in medium pot, and cover with 3-4 inches of water. Bring to a boil. Lower to a rolling boiling, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until tender. Cooked farro should be firm and chewy but not hard. Drain any remaining water, and place in a bowl.

2. Meanwhile, fill a medium sized pot with water and the juice of 1 lemon (which prevents the artichokes from oxidizing, or turning brown), and bring to a boil. Remove any tough or damaged outer leaves from the artichokes. Trim the tops and the bottoms, and slice into quarters. Boil for 3-4 minutes, or until just tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and plunge in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Add mushrooms and shallot, and saute 5-7 minutes, or until mushrooms are lightly browned. Add wine. Allow alcohol to burn off for about 5 minutes. Add the cooked farro, beans, broth, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir well, and cook 3-4 minutes. Stir in peas and lemon juice. Cook for 2 minutes, or just until peas begin to soften. Remove from heat. Stir in parsley, cheese, and pistachios. Drizzle servings with extra virgin olive oil.

 

- Recipe courtesy of Food Blogga.