Savory Farro Cake

Savory Farro Cake Recipe - Vegetarian Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Savory Farro Cake is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the nutty flavor of farro with creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.

History

Farro is an ancient grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years in the Mediterranean region. It was a staple food for the ancient Romans and is still popular in Italian cuisine today. This recipe takes the traditional flavors of farro and combines them with modern ingredients to create a unique and delicious dish.

Ingredients

6 tbsp of softened unsalted butter
1.33 cup of all-purpose flour
a pinch of salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 cup of cooked farro
1 cup of low-fat or whole milk ricotta
4 tbsp of grated parmesan cheese
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
0.25 tsp of freshly grated nutmeg
2 tbsp of chopped flat leaf parsley
2 tbsp of chopped fresh marjoram
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Butter an 8-inch baking dish or spring-form pan with 2 tbsp of softened butter.
To make the pie crust, combine the flour and salt in a bowl.
Cut in the butter and work it into the flour.
Add the egg and mix the dough until it just holds together.
Press the dough into the spring-form pan, starting with the bottom crust and then the sides.
In a separate bowl, combine the farro, cheeses, eggs, nutmeg, parsley, marjoram, salt, and pepper.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan.
Bake for 40 minutes or until set.
Allow it to cool to lukewarm, then cut into wedges and serve.

Variations

Add in cooked vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Substitute the ricotta cheese with goat cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the farro until it is tender but still slightly chewy for the best texture in the cake.

- Be sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent the cake from sticking.

- Feel free to add in your favorite herbs or spices to customize the flavor of the cake to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Savory Farro Cake with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use quinoa or barley instead of farro for a different grain option.

- Substitute the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.

Make Ahead Tips

The Savory Farro Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Savory Farro Cake with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Savory Farro Cake with a glass of red wine or a crisp white wine for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Savory Farro Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Savory Farro Cake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Savory Farro Cake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Savory Farro Cake contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Savory Farro Cake contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Savory Farro Cake is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (ricotta and Parmesan cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Savory Farro Cake is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Savory Farro Cake is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. With a combination of farro, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I will always cherish. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Maria, in her cozy little farmhouse nestled in the countryside. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

On this particular day, Maria greeted me with a warm hug and a twinkle in her eye. She beckoned me into her kitchen, where the intoxicating aroma of herbs and spices filled the air. Maria had a mischievous grin on her face as she pulled out a dusty old recipe book from her shelf.

"Have I got a treat for you, my dear," Maria said with a wink. "I recently discovered a recipe for a savory farro cake that will knock your socks off."

I was intrigued. Farro was not a common ingredient in my cooking repertoire, but I trusted Maria's culinary expertise. She began to gather the ingredients and explained the process to me step by step. As we worked together in the kitchen, I watched in awe as Maria effortlessly transformed simple ingredients into a masterpiece of flavors and textures.

The farro cake was a delightful combination of nutty farro grains, earthy mushrooms, sweet caramelized onions, and fragrant herbs. The cake was baked to perfection, with a crispy golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior. Maria served it with a dollop of tangy yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

I took my first bite of the savory farro cake and was instantly transported to foodie heaven. The flavors danced on my taste buds, and I couldn't help but close my eyes and savor every mouthful. Maria beamed with pride as she watched me enjoy her creation.

From that day on, the savory farro cake became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, and it always received rave reviews. The recipe became a treasured heirloom, passed down from Maria to me.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks and additions to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly mine. I have experimented with different herbs, vegetables, and cheeses, creating unique variations of the farro cake that never fail to impress.

One of my favorite memories involving the savory farro cake was when I made it for my granddaughter's birthday party. She had always been a picky eater, turning her nose up at anything that wasn't chicken nuggets or macaroni and cheese. But on that day, something magical happened.

I presented the savory farro cake to the guests, and my granddaughter eyed it warily. I could see the skepticism in her eyes as she took a small nibble. To my surprise and delight, her face lit up with delight, and she asked for a second helping. I knew then that the farro cake had won her over, and I couldn't have been happier.

As I sit here reminiscing about the journey of discovering the savory farro cake recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the friendships, memories, and flavors that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been my passion, my form of creative expression, and a way to connect with loved ones.

I am forever grateful to Maria for introducing me to the savory farro cake and inspiring me to push the boundaries of my culinary skills. The recipe holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and fulfillment that cooking brings to my life.

And so, I continue to share the recipe with friends, family, and anyone who appreciates good food made with love. The savory farro cake will always be a part of my culinary legacy, a testament to the power of friendship, creativity, and delicious flavors.