A pasta salad is the first thing I think of for a “food that travels”, which is the theme of today’s #SundaySupper. Pasta salad is certainly a nice option to bring along for summer outings, but a farro dish can be a nice change of pace. This ancient wheat variety has a nice nutty flavor, and is very substantial. I have typically served farro hot immediate after serving, but this Farro with Eggplant and Tomatoes dish came out very nicely when served cold.
I find cooked dishes being served cold often need something to provide enough flavor when the food isn’t hot. A bit of pesto has done the trick for me in some cases. In this farro recipe, pomegranate molasses did the trick. Just a little bit added a noticeable flavor boost to the dish. If you don’t have pomegranate molasses, you could probably substitute balsamic vinegar. But it’s worth picking up if you can find it–make some of this Muhammara Spicy Red Pepper Dip with it too.
If you’re not a big eggplant fan, I was with you until I found out how much I liked it grilled. Be sure to salt it first as instructed, I find it makes a big difference. Grilled eggplant adds a nice caramelized quality to it; I have also roasted eggplant for this dish with good results.
I toss the farro with cheddar here, but feta or mozzarella could also work well. I have the Farro with Eggplant and Tomatoes recipe listed as a side dish, thinking in terms of something you could bring along to serve at a cookout or picnic with other things. It’s a great side dish with steak. However, this farro recipe definitely has enough substance to serve as a vegetarian main along with a green salad. The recipe is listed as having six servings as a side, it would make 4 main dish servings. Side or main dish, give it a try and enjoy!
Recipe card
Farro with Eggplant and Tomatoes
Farro tossed with eggplant, tomatoes and cheese for a hearty side dish that could also be served as a main along with a green salad.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: grilling & stove top
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups tomatoes, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into semi-circles about ½ inch thick
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp pomegranate molasses
- 1 ¼ cup farro, soaked for 30 minutes, then drained and rinsed
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- After slicing the eggplant, spread it out and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then wipe the salt off.
- Combine the tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and the minced garlic. Set aside for later.
- Preheat a grill to medium high. Spread the salted eggplant out in a grill pan or other such device to keep the eggplant from slipping through the grill grates. Coat with cooking oil spray. Place the grill pan on the grill to cook the eggplant.
- Turn the eggplant slices over after 5 minutes, and grill for another 5 minutes or so until the eggplant is cooked to a nice tenderness and has begun to caramelize. Remove the eggplant from the grill and set aside to cool.
- Meanwhile, boil a large pot of water to cook the farro. Add the farro grain to the boiling water and cook until softened, about 25 minutes.
- Drain the farro when it is tender. Toss with the olive oil, grilled eggplant, tomatoes, pomegranate molasses and cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- The farro can be served immediately, or chilled to serve later cold. If you are only planning to serve it cold, rinse the cooked farro with cold water and drain thoroughly before tossing it with the other ingredients.
Renee
I have to admit I’m not a fan of eggplant but will try it grilled to see if it makes a difference. I do love farro and salads made with it.
Cooking Chat
I have totally come around on eggplant thanks to grilling!
Marion@LifeTastesGood
Great idea to use farro in this recipe. I can’t believe I haven’t tried grilled eggplant, that needs to change!
Cooking Chat
Definitely worth a try, Marion!
Chris Baccus
I love that there are two farro recipes in this week’s SundaySupper theme. This looks so good and I’m always looking for new variations with farro as it tastes so great and is easy to make.
Tara
Amazing, I have never had farro before and this salad looks so good, love the pomegranate molasses!
Cooking Chat
farro is definitely worth trying!
Shelby
I am a huge eggplant fan. Your salad would probably be the first thing on my plate!
Caroline | carolinescooking
This looks so delicious, and I too am a fan of pomegranate molasses so can see it will add a great flavor boost here.
Cooking Chat
Thanks Caroline, it’s a great ingredient to have on hand.
Teri@The Freshman Cook
This sounds amazing! I haven’t seen the pomegranate molasses anywhere, so I am going shopping! Great recipe!
Shaina
You had me at FARRO! <3
Liz
I love the sound of your dish! And I even have some pomegranate molasses in my pantry. Time to crack it open!
Cooking Chat
It’s good to have on hand!
Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm
I love eggplant any way but especially grilled. Eggplant and tomato is one of my favorite food combos, I will have to try it with farro.
Sarah Reid, CNP (@jo_jo_ba)
I can’t wait to try this – I have pomegranate powder but not molasses so I might try making a concentrate with that instead
Catherine
Dear David, I absolutely love eggplant! Same goes for my whole family. This looks like a wonderful dish. I have to try salting my eggplant before grilling..what a great tip. Have a wonderful day, Catherine
Cooking Chat
thanks Catherine! The salting does seem to help.
Mary Ellen
I love grilled eggplant! I’ve never had farro though so it looks like I need to try it. This looks delicious!
Barbara
Tried this Fall, seasonal eggplant and roasted tomato farro salad, and found it to be most flavorful. Found other recipes where the eggplant was to be fried, but I chose a healthier version, and roasted the eggplant. Next time, I will try your version and grill the eggplant. Also, only added the greens upon serving, so they would not wilt. Check out my photos of your recipe at
http://www.cookingthekitchen.com/eggplant-roasted-tomato-farro-salad/
Cooking Chat
Your version also sounds good! I like eggplant roasted as well as grilled. Thanks for stopping by, Barbara.
Olga
David,it looks perfect and tasty! Can’t wait to have this anytime of the day, love it!
Cooking Chat
Thanks Olga, it is a nice healthy dish.