Cheesy Baked Farro

INGREDIENTS

Sauce

• 1/4 c (1/2 stick) butter
• 1/4 c flour
• 2 c warm whole milk
• kosher salt and black pepper

Farro

• 2 1/2 c grated parmesan (about 12 oz)
• 1 c grated Gruyere (about 4 oz)
• 1/2 c grated Fontina (about 2 oz)
• 6 c veggie broth
• 2 c farro, rinsed and drained
• 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1/2 c plain bread crumbs
• olive oil to drizzle.

PREPARATION

For the Sauce:

1. In a 2qt saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
3. Gradually stir in the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Simmer until the sauce is thick and smooth, about 8 minutes. DO NOT BOIL.
5. Remove from heat and add salt and pepper to taste.

For the Farro:

1. In a large bowl, add the cheeses and stir to combine.
2. Remove and reserve 1/2 cup of the mixture.
3. In a large stock pot, bring veggie broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. add the farro, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the farro is tender, about 25 minutes.
5. Drain if necessary.
6. Add farro, thyme, and sauce to the cheese mixture.
7. Stir until combined and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Pour into 13"x9" pan sprayed with cooking spray and top with reserved cheese.
9. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and drizzle with olive oil.
10. Bake about 35-30 minutes, until top is goleden brown and forms a crust.
11. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

(foodtv.com)

-- JMagGuthrie - 23 Feb 2014