Farro and Broccoli Rabe Gratin

Farro and Broccoli Rabe Gratin
Author
Katie Kambridge
Source of Recipe
Cook's Illustrated: Recipe developed for the September / October 2020 issue.
Serves/Makes/Yields
4 to 6
Recipe Description

For a gratin that can satisfy as a complete meal, we paired protein-rich farro and white beans with broccoli rabe. We toasted the farro to enhance its nuttiness and then cooked it in a mixture of water, vegetable broth, and white miso; the miso enhanced the creaminess of the gratin and deepened its flavor. Next, we blanched the rabe to tame its bite and lock in its vibrant color before quickly sautéing it with a generous amount of garlic and red pepper flakes. Sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes added pops of flavor and a pleasing chewy texture. We topped it all with a mix of toasted panko and Parmesan for a salty-crunchy finish.

 

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 onion, chopped fine

¼ teaspoon table salt, plus salt for cooking for broccoli rabe

1 ½ cups whole farro

2 cups vegetable broth

2 tablespoons white miso

½ cup panko bread crumbs

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 pound broccoli rabe, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

6 garlic cloves, minced

⅛ teaspoon Red pepper flakes

1 (15-ounce) can white beans or navy beans, rinsed

¾ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

 

Preparation

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Do not substitute pearl, quick-cooking, or presteamed farro for the whole farro in this recipe.



INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and salt and cook until softened and lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in farro and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Stir in 2½ cups water, broth, and miso; bring to simmer; and cook, stirring often, until farro is just tender and remaining liquid has thickened into creamy sauce, 25 to 35 minutes.



2. Meanwhile, toss panko with 1 tablespoon oil in bowl and microwave, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and set aside.



3. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in Dutch oven. Add broccoli rabe and 1 tablespoon salt and cook until just tender, about 2 minutes. Drain broccoli rabe and set aside. Combine remaining 1 tablespoon oil, garlic, and pepper flakes in now-empty pot and cook over medium heat until fragrant and sizzling, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in reserved broccoli rabe and cook until hot and well coated, about 2 minutes. Off heat, stir in beans, tomatoes, and farro mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.



4. Adjust oven rack 10 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Transfer bean-farro mixture to broiler-safe 3-quart gratin dish (or broiler-safe 13 by 9-inch baking dish) and sprinkle with reserved panko mixture. Broil until lightly browned and hot, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve.

 

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (Serves 6)

Calories 400, Fat 12 g, Saturated 3 g, Trans 0 g, Monounsaturated 7 g, Polyunsaturated 2 g, Cholesterol 4 mg, Sodium 483 mg, Carbs 59 g, Fiber 12 g, Sugars 5 g, 

Protein 18 g.

The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.