Ancient Grains for Modern Meals

Ancient Grains for Modern Meals
by Maria Speck (Ten Speed Press, 2011)

Let me start by saying that it took me many years to convert to eating brown rice (I converted only after I found brown basmati) and the only whole grain I used to eat was broken wheat (and yes, the occasional oatmeal). So when Maria Speck’s book landed on my doorstep, I was ready to give it a skip – me and whole grain? It was not a love affair that was going to happen.

But, the cover of the book was gorgeous and I really like Maria’s work, so I opened the book. Some of the grains did not call out to me in spite of the amazing recipes but then I glanced at a recipe for farro with over roasted grapes. That sounded so good. But before I could try it, my neighbor borrowed the book and I never saw it again.

I began to hear amazing reviews of the book and thought I needed to really open it and read it and cook from it. So I did and am I grateful.

The book is filled with recipes that wont scare you away. Speck is a inviting writer. I never thought I would actually say that I like whole grains but after making a few of her dishes, I think I may just convert.

What I like about the recipes is that they are fun without being silly and really show the author’s deep knowledge of food. You will learn how to make a leek salad with halloumi and rye berries, barley with crisped prosciutto and truffle oil, Wheat berry fools with Grand Marnier Figs…. all just delightful features.

I am pleased to feature the recipe that has possibly ignited my love of whole grains:

Creamy Farro with Honey-Roasted Grapes

“Reprinted with permission from Ancient Grains for Modern Meals by Maria Speck, copyright © 2011. Published by Ten Speed Press, a division of Random House, Inc.”

Photo credit: Sara Remington © 2011

farro

2 cups water

1 cup farro

1 teaspoon anise seeds

1 (1-inch) piece cinnamon stick

Pinch of fine sea salt

roasted grapes, and to finish

3 cups seedless red grapes (1¹/₄ pounds)

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

4 tablespoons honey, plus extra for serving

¹/₂ cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half

¹/₂ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling

1 To prepare the farro, bring the water, farro, anise seeds, cinnamon stick, and salt to a boil in a heavy-bottomed 4-quart saucepan. Decrease the heat to maintain a simmer, cover, and cook until the farro is tender but still slightly chewy, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick, drain any remaining liquid, and return the farro to the saucepan.

2 Meanwhile, prepare the roasted grapes. Position a rack 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler for 5 minutes. Spread the grapes on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the honey and toss to combine. Broil until the grapes just start to shrivel and release some juices as they burst, 5 to 7 minutes. Immediately transfer the grapes with their juices to a heatproof bowl.

3 To finish, add the cream and vanilla extract to the farro and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Cook until the cream thickens slightly, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons honey, add the grapes with their juices and cook just long enough to reheat the fruit, about 2 minutes. Divide among bowls, sprinkle with cinnamon, and serve warm with more honey on the side.

to get a head start: Make the farro, as in step 1, ahead (see page 25). The grapes can also be roasted 1 day ahead. Chill, covered.

to vary it: If you like a bit more chewiness, try other berries from the wheat family such as spelt, Kamut, or soft whole wheat. You will need a scant 3 cups.