Farro and kale with roasted pears and turkey bacon
I hope your Christmas was merry. We have been sharing a lovely week with my family in New York. My mother really outdid herself and gave me Christmas day off, which was a gift unto itself. If you read my post last week, you may remember the multitude of Christmas Eve traditions that continue to thrive in my family. I was obsessing about our tradition where everyone brings a a fish dish to dinner except those who are pregnant, who can bring an (easy-to-make) salad instead. So I did some detective work the week before the holiday and I was assured by all the newlyweds and those with more than 2 children that there would be no salad-making this year. Hmmph. All fish and pasta makes a very unbalanced meal according to yours truly, so I took it upon myself to start a new tradition whereby allowing a very NOT pregnant me to bring a salad. Although making Brussels Sprout Salad by myself for 80 people was not taking the easy way out. I was counting on my sisters and daughters to help, but they disappeared on me to go start a 1,000 piece puzzle. Regardless, the sprouts were a huge hit, even with those who claim to hate Brussels sprouts (really?) and I was happy to provide something green and fresh for the meal.
But low and behold, just as everyone was comfortably wedged into his or her seat and practically finished eating, my cousin Marie pulled off a good one. In a move of pure drama, she waltzed into the dining room untraditionally late with a giant wooden bowl and, you guessed it, asked “salad anyone?” Well, let me tell you there’s nothing more a big Italian family likes than the thought of becoming bigger. The squeals and cheers were deafening, especially to my husband seated 2 inches from me. The applause lasted for a solid ten minutes. More wine was poured and toasts were offered. Still my favorite night of the year.
But at this point, I have had my fill of pasta and bread, cookies and wine. I want my regular food back. I want my whole grains and my BFF kale. I want to make one of my favorite dishes, Farro and Kale with Roasted Pears and Turkey Bacon. Vegetarians, don’t leave me here. Just drop the bacon and we’ll stay friends. This is too good to miss. I love to pair this with a hearty salad of mixed greens, shaved fennel, and walnuts. Ahhhhh…..almost meatless Monday. Happy day.
I want you to make this and when you do, just make a little salad or a simple side of roasted vegetables. If you need to, you can sub barley for the farro, and your favorite green for the kale, although isn’t kale your favorite? Speaking of favorites, I can’t believe I have yet to post a recipe with my favorite fall fruit, pears. Why is it that apples get all the attention at this time of year? I think pears are so underappreciated, so versatile and so delicious. I’m rooting for pears! I’ll even post a simple, but luscious pear dessert on Friday, just in time for your New Year’s Eve party. Goodness. So much to celebrate.
Farro and Kale with Roasted Pears and Turkey Bacon
Ingredients
- 3 firm but ripe pears about 1 ½ pounds, cored and cut into ¾-inch cubes (I used Bartlett)
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ½ pound turkey bacon
- 2 cups uncooked farro
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 2/3 cup dry white wine or chicken stock
- ¾ pound Tuscan kale or kale of your choice, stems removed and roughly chopped, about 8 cups
- 3-4 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, gently toss the pears with 1 Tablespoon oil and 1 teaspoon thyme. Spread the pears out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon sea salt and several grinds of black pepper. Roast, turning occasionally until golden brown and fragrant, about 25 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.
- On a large parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the turkey bacon slices. Bake at 425 degrees until top is crisp. Turn once and cook the other side until crisp, about 15 minutes total. Remove from oven and allow to sit until cool enough to handle. Then chop coarsely.
- Rinse the farro and place in a large pot with a pinch of sea salt and enough water to cover by at least 2 inches. Bring water to a boil and simmer until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain well!
- Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 Tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, a sprinkling of sea salt and black pepper and cook, stirring often, until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the wine. Return the pan to medium heat. Cook until most of the wine is absorbed, about 2 minutes, stirring often and removing any bits of flavor on the bottom of the pan. Stir in the kale and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook until the kale is just tender and still vibrant green, about 7 minutes. Stir halfway.
- In a large serving bowl, combine farro with lemon juice and butter. Stir in the kale and turkey bacon. Gently fold in the pears. Taste for seasoning and serve immediately.
20 Comments
Would quinoa be the best GF sub?
Your favorite GF grain is the best sub. Quinoa, brown rice, and millet would all be awesome!
So glad I found your website and this recipe! What an addicting flavor. Hubbie and I both thought it was restaurant quality. I can’t wait to try more of your recipes!
Thanks, Eileen! It’s one of my favorites. 🙂
This looks so good! Can I use regular (pork) bacon in place of the turkey bacon? Would the cooking directions be the same if I did? Can’t wait to try it this week!
Absolutely! Just look for a really good quality pork bacon with no nitrates. Same directions. Enjoy!
Pamela, I’ve been making your recipes for a few years now and this is one of my favorites but really every one I’ve tried I love. My husband is a huge fan as well. We’ve lived in nyc for 11 years and we’re moving to LA in Dec. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to finally be able to come to a cooking class of yours!! Thanks for everything:)
How cool! Email me when you arrive in LA and I’ll get you on my class list :). Looking forward to meeting you!
This is a staple in my home. Really easy and always a hit. I did this with quinoa once and while it was fine, I like it better with the farro. I really load up on the kale. I love seeing the vibrant green with the pear colors. Thank you Pamela!
I would agreee farro is a better call than quinoa, but always fun to mix it up!
Made this again this week but this time with barley. YUM!
I also did the noodle dish from class for dinner and all 6 of us LOVED it…kids and husband all commented that it was one of the best things I have made!
I sub barley and farro (and wheat berries) very often for each other — good call. So happy everyone liked the noodle dish — you can really play around with the vegetables.
Our first home cooked meal since my moms hospitalization…OMGosh!!! We gobbled up very morsel! My oldest son said…”wow…outstanding!” I also got to cook in my new cookware…can’t wait for class next week! Recipe was easy ans fun…loved the farro! XO
You did make it after all! It sounds like you need someone to take care of you. I can’t wait to feed you in class next week!
Pamela,
My mother has been in the hospital since 12/22…we are still here and I thank God for that! Will share later…
I just shared this recipe as she lays in the hospital bed and promised her this lovely meal when she comes home!
I haven’t had a homemade meal inn10 days…I am salivating right now…yum!
Happy 2012…
Can’t wait to cook…
XO
Oh dear! I’m sending healing energy your mom’s way. If only I could send you this farro or something to nourish you, too. Hugs and prayers~
Your good habits have worn off! Here is to a healthy 2012. We are having a very low-key New Year’s Eve. A few families from the neighborhood are coming over. The plan was take-out…your voice was in my mind all day. So, instead of take-out, the menu is this salad, roasted vegetable soup, endive with blue cheese and grapes, polenta with tomatoes and burata, and a large platter of fresh veggies and grapes. We will be ringing in the New Year with a healthy but festive (and easy) meal. Thank you! Happy New Year to you!
OMG! I have tears in my eyes. That sounds beautiful. You’re my hero. Here’s to a healthy and happy 2012!!
Charming recap of Christmas Eve! Can’t wait to try this recipe; it sounds divine!
Please try it — truly yummy! All the best in 2012!