ONION SOUP-STYLE FARRO

Onion Soup-Style Farro image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons brandy or cognac
2 cups farro
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (about 1 ounce), plus a small piece of rind
1 cup grated gruyere cheese (about 4 ounces)
2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large onion, thinly sliced

Steps:

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Melt the butter in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the brandy and cook until evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add the farro, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper; cook, stirring, until the farro is coated, 2 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, 1 1/2 cups water, the bay leaf and the parmesan rind. Bring to a boil, then stir in the grated parmesan.
Transfer the mixture to a 1 1/2-quart flameproof baking dish, cover with foil and bake until most of the liquid is absorbed and the farro is tender, about 40 minutes. Remove from the oven; discard the bay leaf and parmesan rind. Continue baking, uncovered, until all of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 more minutes. Sprinkle with the grated gruyere; turn on the broiler and broil until melted and golden brown in spots, about 1 minute. Top with the parsley.