Farro and Kale with Roasted Pears and Turkey Bacon
Try this Farro and Kale with Roasted Pears and Turkey Bacon recipe.
Try this Farro and Kale with Roasted Pears and Turkey Bacon recipe.
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- sea salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 firm but ripe pears (about 1 1/2 pounds) cored and cut into 3/4-inch cubes (i used bartlett)
- 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
- 1/2 pound turkey bacon
- 2 cups uncooked farro
- 2/3 cup dry white wine (or chicken stock)
- 3/4 pound tuscan kale (or kale of your choice) stems removed and roughly chopped, about 8 cups
- 3-4 tablespoons lemon juice
- Carbohydrate 0.926680998125 g
- Cholesterol 35.4150326625 mg
- Fat 12.0572966399178 g
- Fiber 0.0226953125 g
- Protein 8.43078681375 g
- Saturated Fat 4.35041951056244 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -10 (76g)
- Sodium 720.170390906261 mg
- Sugar 0.903985685625 g
- Trans Fat 0.775129001889699 g
- Calories 145 calories
Step-by-step
- 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 ½ 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.
A Weeknight Delight: Farro and Kale with Roasted Pears and Turkey Bacon
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a marathon. But I've discovered a recipe that's become a lifesaver: Farro and Kale with Roasted Pears and Turkey Bacon. It's surprisingly simple, yet elegant enough to impress even the pickiest eaters (including my husband!). This dish is packed with flavor, texture, and nutrients – the perfect balance after a long day. The best part? It’s surprisingly quick to make, leaving me with precious extra time for myself or my family.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. I often adjust it based on what’s in my fridge. Sometimes I swap the turkey bacon for crispy prosciutto for a richer flavor profile. Other times, I might add a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans for some extra crunch. The pears are a game-changer, adding a sweetness that cuts through the savory notes of the farro and kale perfectly. The farro itself, a hearty ancient grain, provides a satisfying chewiness that keeps me feeling full and energized. I love how it holds its shape even after cooking, resulting in a delightful textural contrast with the tender kale and crispy bacon. The earthy flavors blend seamlessly, creating a dish that is both hearty and refreshing, perfect for any season.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a small act of self-care. It allows me to nourish my family with wholesome ingredients while making time for things that matter most. It's a reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little planning and the right ingredients, even a busy weeknight can be filled with delicious and fulfilling home-cooked meals. This recipe is my go-to when I need something both healthy and satisfying, and I'm always happy to share my culinary discoveries with anyone looking for an easy yet impressive meal to add to their weekly rotation. The subtle sweetness of the roasted pears, the satisfying chew of the farro, and the satisfying crunch of the turkey bacon all work together in perfect harmony.
Beyond the Recipe: This Farro and Kale recipe is also a great starting point for experimentation. Feeling adventurous? Try adding different types of greens, like spinach or chard. Want to add some heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes would do the trick. The possibilities are endless! This dish is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a culinary masterpiece.
So next time you're looking for a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner that's sure to please the entire family, give this Farro and Kale with Roasted Pears and Turkey Bacon recipe a try. You won't be disappointed. The balance of flavors and textures is simply divine, and the ease of preparation makes it a perfect weeknight meal. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it brings me!
