Farro, roasted mushrooms, and wilted kale form the base of this hearty one-bowl meal, finished with a garlic-lemon tahini drizzle that ties the flavors together. The combination delivers a good amount of protein and fiber, making it substantial enough for lunch or dinner. Total time runs about 45 minutes.
1cupfarrouncooked; use semi-pearled for quicker cooking
3cupsvegetable brothpreferably low-sodium
For the Sautéed Vegetables:
2tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
1mediumyellow oniondiced
3clovesgarlicminced
10ouncescremini mushroomssliced; portobello or shiitake also work well
½teaspoonsea saltor to taste
¼teaspoonblack pepperfreshly ground, more to taste
4cupskaledestemmed and chopped, packed
For the Garlic-Lemon Tahini Sauce:
¼cuptahiniwell-stirred
2tablespoonslemon juicefreshly squeezed
1clovegarlicminced or grated
2-3tablespoonswateras needed to thin
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Instructions
Rinse the farro under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the farro and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat (about 5 minutes), then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30–35 minutes until tender but chewy. Drain any excess liquid.
While the farro cooks, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until translucent and beginning to turn golden.
Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, then incorporate the sliced mushrooms. Season with sea salt and pepper.
Cook mushrooms for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and their moisture has evaporated. Don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming—cook in batches if needed.
Add the chopped kale to the pan. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until wilted and vibrant green. Remove from heat.
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and water until a creamy sauce forms. Adjust consistency with more water as needed and season to taste with a pinch of salt.
To assemble, spoon farro into bowls as the base. Top with mushroom and kale mixture. Drizzle generously with the garlic-lemon tahini sauce. Optional: sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or chili flakes for added texture and heat.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute farro with cooked quinoa, brown rice, or millet.
To caramelize mushrooms faster, avoid salting them too early—wait until they begin to brown.
Massage kale with a bit of olive oil beforehand for a softer texture if serving raw or lightly cooked.