Multi Grain Cherry Pilaf Recipes

FARRO PILAF WITH BALSAMIC CHERRIES

Steps:

• Pit the cherries and cut in half.
• Heat a medium or large heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. When the foam subsides, add the cherries and sauté for 1 minute. Add the balsamic vinegar and stir until it evaporates, which should take no more than 1 minute. Transfer the cherries immediately to a bowl so that they don't overcook or overcaramelize. Set aside.
• To cook the farro, place in a bowl or saucepan and cover with boiling water. Let sit for 1 hour, then drain. Return to the pot and add 1 quart water and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes, until the wheat berries have begun to splay. Drain through a strainer and return the farro to the pot. Place a towel across the top of the saucepan and return the lid. Let sit for 10 minutes.
• Uncover the farro and stir in the thyme, butter and cherries. Add pepper to taste, and serve.

BAKED GRAINS PILAF

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion, celery, bell pepper, and corn in the hot oil until softened, about 10 minutes.
• Mix onion mixture, millet, quinoa, and salt together in an 8x8-inch casserole dish; pour in chicken stock. Cover dish with aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven until grains are tender and have absorbed all the liquid, about 30 minutes.

MULTI-GRAIN RICE PILAF

Steps:

• In a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and swirl the pan until the nuts toast, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the brown and wild rice and the farro and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until lightly toasted. Stir in 5 cups water, the lemon zest, thyme, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook undisturbed for 45 minutes. Check the texture of the rice, and if needed, continue simmering until tender and the liquid is absorbed, another 10 to 15 minutes.
• Remove from the heat, scatter the scallions and lemon juice over the surface of the pilaf and set aside, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, stirring in the scallions, remove the herb sprigs and serve. Season with remaining salt and black pepper, to taste.