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Farro Salad with Thinly Sliced Zucchini, Pine Nuts, and Lemon Zest

5.0

(1)

Farro is a type of hulled wheat that has been cultivated in Italy for centuries. Look for it at gourmet shops and health-food stores, where it is also sold as spelt. Other grains, such as barley or bulgur wheat, can also be used; cook them according to package instructions.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 8 to 10

Ingredients

3/4 pound farro
Coarse salt
1 small shallot, minced
Grated zest and juice of 1 1/2 lemons
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup pine nuts
1 pound zucchini, ends trimmed
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped
Freshly ground pepper
4 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place the farro in a large saucepan, and add enough cold water to cover by about 3 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat; add salt, and stir once. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer until the farro is al dente, according to package instructions, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain, and let cool.

    Step 2

    In a small bowl, combine the shallot with the lemon juice and salt; let stand 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat, and add the pine nuts. Cook, stirring, until they are lightly toasted, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and add the lemon zest.

    Step 3

    Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the zucchini crosswise as thinly as possible; place in a large bowl. Add the farro, pine nut mixture, and parsley; stir to combine. Stir in shallot mixture; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a large serving bowl.

    Step 4

    Using a vegetable peeler, shave half the cheese over the salad; toss to combine. The salad can be stored up 6 hours in refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. Just before serving, shave the remaining cheese on top.

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Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group. Buy the full book from Amazon.
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