Get your carbs the right way in this savory pasta dish.
Servings: Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1/2 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
  • 2 cups very hot water
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 shallots , minced
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper , to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups farro (an Italian grain similar to rice)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 bunch (about 1 pound) asparagus , trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
    • Directions
    In a bowl, soak dried mushrooms in hot water until reconstituted, about 5 minutes. Drain, reserving liquid (if it's sandy, strain through a coffee filter set in a sieve); coarsely chop. Set aside.

    In a medium saucepan, bring stock to a bare simmer; add mushroom liquid. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and mushrooms; cook 4–6 minutes or until shallots have softened. Season with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high; add farro and cook, stirring frequently, about 4 minutes.

    Stir in rosemary. Add stock a ladle or two at a time, stirring after each addition until most liquid is absorbed. Repeat until farro softens but is still chewy, 25–30 minutes, adding asparagus and peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Stir in butter, cheese and parsley. Cool.
    From the March 2008 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

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