Ali Clarke makes Big Batch Grains, as seen on Meal Prepping with Ali Clarke on Food Network Kitchen.
Recipe courtesy of Ali Clarke

Farro and Roasted Vegetable Grain Bowls

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  • Level: Easy
  • Total: 40 min
  • Active: 40 min
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings
I love this grain bowl because I can prep each component of the recipe—the cooked farro, roasted vegetables and vinaigrette—in advance, and hold them separately in the refrigerator. When it's time to eat, it's as easy as putting all the components together and serving! It's equally as delicious served cold as a salad or reheated as a grain bowl. If I want some protein, I can easily serve it up with some roasted salmon, shredded rotisserie chicken or even a fried egg but it also works great as a side dish. This recipe also travels well since it can be served cold, room temperature or hot, so it's the perfect addition to your next picnic or outdoor gathering.

Ingredients

Big Batch Farro:

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Arrange the squash, bell pepper and fennel each in their own section on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss the vegetables to coat them, keeping each in its own section. Roast for 20 minutes. 
  3. Meanwhile, toss the greens with 2 teaspoons of the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper on another baking sheet. Set aside. 
  4. After 20 minutes, remove the roasted vegetables and flip them over. The vegetables will be brown on the first side and almost tender. Place back in the oven along with the greens and roast until the greens are wilted and the vegetables are completely tender but still hold their shape, about 10 minutes more. Let cool. 
  5. While the vegetables cool, make the vinaigrette. Whisk together the orange and lemon juice, honey, Dijon and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Slowly stream in the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil while whisking until the dressing is emulsified. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. 
  6. Once cooled, dice the roasted peppers and fennel into 1/2-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, toss together the roasted vegetables, greens, Big Batch Farro and vinaigrette. At this point you can store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. When ready to serve, add to a serving bowl and top with the feta, fennel fronds and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Big Batch Farro:

  1. Bring a large pot of water (about 3 quarts) to a boil and add 2 tablespoons salt; the water should be well seasoned like you are cooking pasta. Pour in the farro and stir. Lower the heat slightly so the water is at a rapid simmer. Cook the farro until tender with a slight chew, 13 to 15 minutes. Immediately drain the farro and run under cold water to cool completely. Drain again to remove excess liquid. Makes 4 cups.

Cook’s Note

Each component of this grain bowl can be doubled and used for meal prep throughout the week. Roasted vegetables will hold well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be easily reheated in a warm oven, about 300 degrees F, or can also be served cold. The vinaigrette can also be doubled and saved for salads throughout the week.