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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Alessi Foods. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
Switch things up by using protein- and fiber-rich farro instead of arborio rice for your next risotto dish. Farro Risotto with Porcini Mushroom and Bok Choy is a simple dish that’s on the table in under 20 minutes!
Farro is my favorite grain. It’s from the Tuscan region of Italy and boasts some pretty serious nutritional benefits — so many that it was known as the “Mother of all wheat” back in ancient Roman times. It has high levels of fiber, protein and iron, and is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals, making it great for post-workout recovery meals. It’s nutty in flavor, chewy in texture, and tastes a bit like brown rice — but much better. I’ve used it in warm salads, as stuffing for tomatoes, and I’ve cooked it risotto-style — which I’m doing again today.
This time around, I made Farro Risotto with Porcini Mushroom and Bok Choy, and mixed in a little lemongrass for some extra zing and fragrance. I used new Porcini Mushroom Farro from Sicilian family owned and operated Alessi Foods, as the base for my dish. Alessi Foods’ products are inspired by the family’s Sicilian recipes. All of Alessi Foods farro is pearled, which means the grain’s hull has been removed, which results in a faster cooking time, making it ready to serve in just about 20 minutes! How’s that for an easy weeknight meal?
Usually risotto takes times — at least a half hour of constant ladling broth and stirring — but not this time! Farro Risotto with Porcini Mushroom and Bok Choy will be on the table in just over 20 minutes. All I did to spruce up this already-delicious one-pot dish was add chopped bok choy and lemon grass. This is a quick and easy meal that will appeal to those with crazy schedules, like me, and who often find themselves looking for shortcut dinner options. Farro has a mild flavor, allowing it to be an ideal choice for a base option for people who like to meal prep. Alessi Foods farro comes in two other flavors — beets and spinach, and butternut squash and kale. There’s also plain farro that you can gussy up however you’d like!
Farro can also be used as a healthier choice for traditional comfort food — like veggie burgers or vegetarian meatballs. If you’re looking to up your intake of superfoods, farro is a great choice. When paired with other foods high in nutritional value, farro is good for those on high protein, low carb diets. So many positive things about this tiny little grain… Bring on the farro!
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- 1 7oz. package of Alessi Foods Porcini Mushroom Risotto
- 2 heads baby bok choy, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemongrass
- In a medium sauce pot, bring 1 3/4 cups water to a boil.
- Add the farro and stir for one minute while boiling (optional: add butter along with the farro).
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, covered, for 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
- After 20 minutes, stir in the chopped baby bok choy and lemon grass.
- Serve warm or chilled.
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