WARM GRAIN SALAD WITH BACON, LEEKS & SPINACH

Warm grain salad with bacon, leeks & spinach image

This versatile salad of nutty farro, smoked pancetta, rosemary and wilted leafy greens makes a hearty side dish or satisfying supper

Provided by Giancarlo Caldesi

Categories Buffet, Dinner, Lunch, Side dish, Starter

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

200g farro or quinoa
1l vegetable, pork or chicken stock
4 rashers smoked pancetta or streaky bacon
1 leek
knob of salted butter
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 rosemary sprig, leaves only
2 large handfuls of baby spinach leaves, washed, or shredded kale
100g chestnuts , cooked and broken up (optional)

Steps:

Boil the farro or quinoa in the stock in a lidded pan until soft to the bite, then drain. Meanwhile, use a pair of scissors to cut the bacon into small strips. Wash the leek and chop finely. Melt the butter with the oil and fry the bacon, leeks and rosemary gently over a medium heat until soft.
Add the farro to the pan, and stir in the green leaves and chestnuts, if you like. Put the lid on the pan and keep over a low heat until the leaves wilt and the chestnuts warm through. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 275 calories, Fat 13 grams fat, SaturatedFat 3 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 24 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 1 grams sugar, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 13 grams protein, Sodium 1 milligram of sodium