Warm Grains with Cabbage and Ricotta Salata

Warm Grains with Cabbage and Ricotta Salata

I’ve adapted the recipe, opting to cook the grains in chicken stock instead of water to enhance the flavor. I also used more thyme and added minced garlic. You can use any grain for this salad and the cook time will obviously vary depending on your choice (See the  chart in the Directions, below, for the proper liquid/grain ratio and cooking time for your chosen grain). I think this dish would be fantastic with the addition of spinach or kale as well. That’s on my to-do list next time around.

Adapted from: Food and Wine

Ingredients

For the Grains:

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups pearled barley, farro, short-grain brown rice, spelt or wheat berries (10 oz)
1 small onion, diced
4 thyme sprigs
Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (or water, if you prefer): see chart for amounts
Kosher salt

For the Salad:

1 cup walnuts (4 ounces)
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, diced
1 pound red cabbage, cut into 1-inch pieces (4 cups)
1 tsp. garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tsp. chopped thyme
1/4 cup water
3 cups thyme-scented grains
4 ounces ricotta salata cheese, crumbled (1 cup)

Instructions

Cook the Grains: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the grains and cook over moderate heat, stirring until lightly toasted; the grains will turn slightly opaque just before browning. Add the onion and thyme and cook over low heat, stirring, until the onion is softened, about five minutes. Add the chicken broth and 1 tsp. of kosher salt and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over very low heat until the water is absorbed and the grains are tender. Fluff the grains and discard the thyme sprigs. Season the grains with salt if necessary and serve (Makes: About 4 cups)

Prepare the Salad: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spread the walnuts in a pie plate or baking sheet and toast for 10-12 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool, then coarsely chop.

In a large skillet, melt the butter in the oil. Add the onion and cook over medium heat, stirring, until softened, 5 minutes. Add the cabbage, garlic and vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and cook. Stir occasionally until the cabbage is barely wilted, about 5 minutes. Add the thyme and water, cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the water has evaporated, 20 minutes. Stir in the the Thyme-Scented Grains, ricotta salata, and toasted walnuts. Transfer to a bowl and serve.

Grain Cooking Chart: For 1 1/2 cups of your chosen grain, consult this chart for amount of liquid and time:
Barley, pearled/ 3 cups liquid / 25 minutes
Farro / 3 cups / 25 minutes
Short-grain brown rice / 2 3/4 cups / 35 minutes
Spelt / 4 cups / 1hr. 25 minutes
Wheat berries / 5 cups / 2 hours