CHICKEN SOUP WITH TOASTED FARRO AND GREENS
Somewhere between a soup and a stew, this comforting dish starts with chicken stock seasoned with leeks, carrots and celery. Garlic and fennel seeds are toasted along with the farro to add another layer of flavor. Boneless chicken thighs are cooked in the broth, then greens are tossed in just before serving. This soup is best served right away, as the farro will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, but leftovers can be reheated with some additional broth or water over low heat. Lemon zest lends a lovely lift, but a spoonful of chile oil would also be lively addition.
Provided by Colu Henry
Categories dinner, weeknight, soups and stews, main course
Time 45m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium. Add the leeks, carrots and celery, and cook, stirring occasionally, until they have softened, but have not taken on any color, 4 to 6 minutes.
- Add the garlic, fennel seeds and red-pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Add the farro and cook, stirring frequently, until slightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the stock and chicken thighs. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the chicken has cooked through and is no longer pink, 10 to 12 minutes, skimming any bits of foam that float to the surface, if desired. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the chicken to a cutting board. When cool enough to touch, shred the chicken into bite-size pieces.
- Continue simmering the soup until the farro is tender but still toothsome, about 20 minutes more. Add the chicken back to the pot along with the greens and stir until greens are gently wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Ladle into bowls and grate lemon zest over top, if desired.
ROASTED POULTRY, WILD BOAR BACON, AND MUSHROOM FARRO WITH PAN-ROASTED FENNEL AND CARROTS
This is a winning-contestant recipe from Season Four of FOX's _[MasterChef](http://www.fox.com/masterchef/)_. The recipe calls for making homemade stock-using bones from game hens, chickens, or pigeons-to cook the farro in, but if you're short on time, you can substitute purchased low-sodium chicken broth.
Yield Makes 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 34
Steps:
- In a large stockpot, combine the bones, water, carrots, onion, celery, rosemary, sage, and peppercorns and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 3 hours, skimming occasionally. Strain the stock. Measure 3 1/2 cups of stock for cooking the farro, and reserve any leftovers for later use.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cut each of the game hens, chickens, or pigeons in half then season all over with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a large sauté pan over moderately high heat, warm the oil. Working in batches, add the birds, skin side down, to the pan and sear until the skin is golden brown and caramelized. Transfer the birds, as done, to a roasting pan or large rimmed baking sheet and roast in the oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (do not touch the bone) registers 165°F.
- In a medium saucepan over moderate heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and pour half the rendered bacon fat into a medium sauté pan and set aside. Add the shallot to the original saucepan and sauté, stirring occasionally, until translucent then add the farro and sauté, stirring occasionally, until just toasted. Add the reserved 3 1/2 cups of stock to the farro and bring to a simmer. Continue simmering until soft and tender.
- While the farro is simmering, heat the rendered bacon fat in the medium sauté pan. Add the mushrooms and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the liquid released by the mushrooms is evaporated, about 5 minutes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the mushrooms and bacon to the farro and stir to combine. Keep warm.
- In a small saucepan over moderately low heat, bring the olive oil, sage, and peppercorns to a simmer. Shut off the heat and let the oil cool until it's fragrant with sage and peppercorn. Once cool, strain the oil.
- In small saucepan over moderate heat, bring the blackberries, currants, red wine, honey, and vinegar to a simmer. Continue simmering until the mixture is thick and jamlike, 8 to 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Arrange the fennel and carrots in separate baking dishes or baking sheets. Drizzle each with 1 tablespoon olive oil then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast, turning occasionally, until tender and well caramelized, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl, drizzle with the maple syrup and vinegar, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, if desired, and toss to combine.
- Divide the farro among 4 plates, then top each with vegetables and poultry. Garnish the plates with the berry compote and sage oil.
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