FARRO SALAD WITH LEEKS, CHICKPEAS AND CURRANTS

Farro Salad with Leeks, Chickpeas and Currants image

Sliced leeks are wonderful roasted: they caramelize in the oven, becoming tender and sweet, their edges crisp. This recipe combines them with spicy marinated chickpeas and sweet currants for a hearty, satisfying side-dish salad. You could easily turn it into a main course by adding grated cheese (maybe ricotta salata or aged Cheddar) and nuts (pistachios, pine nuts, pecans). And also feel free substitute any other cooked bean or dried fruit; chopped apricots or cherries would work particularly well, as would navy or cannellini beans. The recipe makes a very large bowlful, but sturdy farro holds up well in the fridge.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories weekday, salads and dressings

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

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Ingredients

4 large leeks, halved lengthwise, cleaned and sliced crosswise 1/4-inch thick
2/3 cup plus 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 1/4 teaspoons coarse kosher salt, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or two 15-ounce cans, drained)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, preferably from Meyer lemons (2 to 3 lemons), more to taste
1/4 teaspoon crushed red chile flakes
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups dry farro
2/3 cup dried currants
1/2 cup chopped celery leaves and tender stems

Steps:

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Using a large rimmed baking sheet, toss leeks with 1/4 cup oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Spread leeks out in a single layer (use a second baking sheet if necessary) and roast, tossing frequently, until golden brown and crisp at the edges, about 20 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss leeks with chickpeas, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, chile flakes and garlic. Stir in 2/3 cup oil. Let marinate while you prepare the farro.
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook farro until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well. Toss with chickpea mixture. Stir in currants and celery leaf. Taste and add more salt or lemon if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 557, UnsaturatedFat 23 grams, Carbohydrate 69 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 12 grams, Protein 14 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 528 milligrams, Sugar 17 grams