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Farro with Shiitake Mushrooms

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 2
  • •MAKE-AHEAD
  • •VEGETARIAN

Farro (Italian spelt) is nutty, chewy and, Alex Urena believes, totally soothing.

  1. 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  2. 1/2 small onion, minced
  3. 3/4 cup farro
  4. 1 thyme sprig
  5. 1 1/4 cups water
  6. Salt and freshly ground pepper
  7. 2 1/2 ounces finely diced shiitake mushroom caps (1 cup)
  1. Melt half of the butter in a skillet. Add the onion and cook over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until softened, about 8 minutes. Add the farro and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, until the farro is lightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Add the water and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook over low heat until the water is absorbed and the farro is al dente, about 30 minutes. Discard the thyme.
  2. Meanwhile, melt the remaining 3/4 tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet. Add the mushrooms and cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms to the farro, season with salt and pepper and serve.
Make Ahead The farro can be refrigerated overnight; gently reheat with 1/2 cup of water before serving.