Baked Farro and Butternut Squash

x 1


Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

50 min

Total Time

1 1/6 hours

Serves

8

Servings

6

Vegetarian
Main Dish
Comfort Food

Ingredients

  • 6 applewood-smoked bacon 6 thick-cut slices
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cups chicken stock homemade or store-bought
  • 3 cups butternut squash 3 cups (3/4 to 1-inch diced)
  • 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 1/2 cups pearled farro

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Place the bacon on a baking rack set on a sheet pan and bake it for 20 to 30 minutes, until browned (it won't be crisp). Cut the bacon in very large dice.
  3. Meanwhile, in a small (9-inch) Dutch oven, such as Le Creuset, heat the oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until tender and starting to brown. Add the thyme, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper and cook for 1 minute. Add the farro and chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Place the squash on top of the farro mixture, cover, and bake for 30 minutes, until the squash and farro are tender. Check once or twice to make sure the farro isn't drying out.
  4. Sprinkle the bacon and Parmesan on the top and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until most of the liquid evaporates, the farro and butternut squash are tender, and the cheese has melted. Serve hot directly from the pot.