Farro Risotto...righteous and good for you

This is really a righteous grain.  Taste and texture along the lines of pearled barley, just a little nuttier in taste.  It took me a few times before I got this right.   It was worth the trial and error.  The perfect side companion to serve as a bed for a simple oven roasted chicken breast.  This recipe serves 2, but can be easily doubled or tripled.

For those of you that don't know farro is in the wheat family.  Its an ancient grain that was hybridized later to make the modern variety of wheat used in making flour and such.  This stuff is pretty amazing, rich in flavor and fiber, you can' go wrong.  More about it HERE. The nice thing is that I can get the stuff at a regular groc cheap...2.49 for a pound vs triple that at the local hippy mart.  Pays to shop, I knooowwww.

As both the broth and Parmesan Reggiano are salty wait until the very end to actually salt the farro.  I found I needed none, but your broth many be less salty and you won't need any extra.  And for goodness sakes, use real fresh grated Parmesan, not that awful additive laced so it pours crap in the green can at the groc. I swear, I catch you using that I'm sicking Uncle Vito to have a conversation wit you.  Capiche?

Farro "Risotto"

• 3/4 c farro 
• 1 can chicken broth
• 1/8 t fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 t dried basil
• 1 T butter
• 1/3 c fresh grated Parmesan
• salt

Combine farro, chicken broth, butter, pepper and basil in a small lidded saucepan.  Bring to boil and reduce to simmer.  Cover and simmer 25-30 minutes until only a couple tablespoons of broth remain.  Stir occasionally.  When its all fluffy and broth has nearly completely absorbed remove from heat and stir in Parmesan.  Test for seasoning and salt if needed.   Serve hot as a hearty side!