It Must be from Modena
A Bit of History:
Reading the ingredient list on the balsamic vinegar label, I wondered what exactly is grape must? Quite simply, grape must consists of freshly crushed grape juice, stems, and skins. Storing reduced grape must in wooden barrels eventually yields a beautiful, dark, and flavorful balsamic vinegar. Evidence demonstrates the use of grape must from 3000 BC in the Near East. However, today three types of balsamic vinegars are considered protected and true vinegars. For over 1000 years, all three types hail from either Modena or Reggio Emilia in Italy. Their careful production is a veritable art form of slow aging and tender care. As one would expect, the end result is a cook’s dream and is the perfect addition to my Smoky Farro Bowl Recipe.
About the Recipe: Smoky Farro Bowl Recipe
This recipe is packed with beautiful ingredients, but don’t be daunted by the list. In under 1 hour, with most of the time spent roasting, you will have a delicious and elegant meal. Four simple steps will transform your next dinner. First, mix the marinade while you bring a pot of water to a boil. Second, chop some cauliflower, shallots, and garlic and toss with pre-sliced mushrooms, olives, and grapes. Then, drizzle on some marinade and let the oven roast away. While roasting everything in one sheet pan, cook the farro. Finally, toss all of the ingredients together and enjoy!
The secret to this Smoky Farro Bowl lies with the wonderful blend of liquid smoke, fresh rosemary, dark balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce. The nutty flavor of farro combined with the salty olives and sweet grapes tie it all together for a delicious, plant-based meal.
Watch the video for step by step preparation!
Helpful Tools and Ingredients:
I always use 18 year aged dark balsamic vinegar from Lowcountry Olive Oil.
Balsamic Smoky Farro with Roasted Grapes, Olives, Cauliflower, & Asparagus
Equipment
- Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry farro (cooked according to package directions)
Marinade
- 2 tbsp dark balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp liquid smoke
- 2 tsp soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp olive brine
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
Roasting Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped cauliflower
- 2 cups purple or black grapes sliced in half lengthwise
- 6 oz chopped mushrooms (shiitake, portabella, oyster all work well)
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced in half lengthwise
- 2 shallots, peeled and sliced in half lengthwise
- 1/2 cup pitted, green, Sicilian olives (or olives of choice)
- 1 bunch asparagus, ends removed and chopped in 1-2 inch pieces
Serving
- 2 cups cooked farro
- 2 tbsp reserved marinade
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)
- pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Marinade
- Combine all ingredients for the marinade in a measuring cup and set aside.
Roasting
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- On a lined baking sheet, place cauliflower, grapes, mushrooms, garlic, shallots, and olives.
- Drizzle with 2 tbsp of marinade and reserve the rest for later.
- Roast approximately 35 minutes and then add the asparagus and roast for another 10-15 minutes until vegetables are beginning to brown.
Serving
- Toss roasted vegetables with cooked farro and remaining marinade. Drizzle with an additional 1 tbsp of dark balsamic vinegar if desired. Add red pepper flakes if using and top with optional hazelnuts.
Looking for other great farro dishes? Try these ultratruffle favorites:
Brussel Sprouts with Black Truffle Oil over Farro
I made this recipe last night and it was delicious! I have never roasted grapes before and must admit they were super tasty especially paired with the sicilian olives. I think I am going to sub romanesco broccoli next time instead of cauliflower, primarily just due to personal preference. But the soy+liquid smoke+balsamic+brine marinade combination makes just about anything tasty- that recipe is a keeper!