Butternut Squash Farro w/Pancetta and Cardamom Pecans

I think I may have a problem. I’m completely and totally obsessed with Fall ingredients. Pumpkin, discount squash, generic sage, pecans, cranberries, cinnamon, cardamom and anything “smoky”, but especially smoked paprika. There’s just something about smoked paprika that brings out the pumpkness of pumpkin and the squashiness of squash. But I digress…

I had planned on making a fall-flavored farro risotto, which I’ve made before and love, but it turns out I was too lazy to stand and stir for 30 minutes (I opted for sitting on the couch sipping coffee instead). And honestly, the stirring just wasn’t necessary this time since pureed butternut squash gives the farro that creamy risotto-like consistency. It also didn’t hurt that I toasted the farro in rendered pancetta fat. Everything’s better toasted in rendered pancetta fat. Everything.

So, I cooked up my toasted farro in some white wine and chicken stock, then stirred in the butternut squash, smoked paprika and red pepper flakes. This farro goodness is topped with cardamom honey toasted pecans, sage and crumbled pancetta for a deliciously warm, smoky sweet bowl of comfort food.

I’d like to promise you a break from all of this fall food, but I don’t see an end in sight as I’m also slightly obsessed with planning our Thanksgiving menu with my mom, and I’ve got all of these autumnal recipes to test out. So, bear with me while I cook every squash and cranberry in sight.

Related:
Cornmeal & Cayenne Shrimp w/Cheddar Farro Risotto
Causage & Chard with Farro Risotto
Farro Salad w/Bacon & Cauliflower
Butternut Squash Beef Stroganoff
Autumn Turkey Pumpkin Lasagna
Homemade Cranberry Spice Granola Bars

Butternut Squash Farro w/Pancetta and Cardamom Pecans
Simply omit the pancetta for a vegetarian option!

4 oz. pancetta (about 10 slices), chopped
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 cups pearled farro
1/2 cup white wine
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups pureed butternut squash (just roast a squash and puree, or boil and puree)
1 tsp. smoked paprika
pinch red pepper flakes
salt to taste (depends on your stock)
about 20 fresh sage leaves, sliced

1 cup pecan halves
1 tsp. ground cardamom
1 tsp. honey (or agave nectar, or cane sugar)

Preheat the oven to 350°. Set a large saucepan over medium heat and add the pancetta. Cook until the fat renders and it becomes crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove the pancetta from the pot with a slotted spatula, leaving the fat in the pot.

Add the shallots and cook for 3 – 5 minutes, or until the shallots begin to soften and caramelize. Add the farro and toast it in the pot for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously.

Pour the white wine into the pan and stir until it’s absorbed by the farro, then add the stock. Bring to a slow boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and let simmer for 30 minutes, or until the farro is tender and the stock is almost completely absorbed.

While the farro cooks, toast the pecans. Place the pecans on a lined cookie sheet and sprinkle with the cardamom, then drizzle with honey. Try to get them as evenly coated as possible, then place them in the oven for 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

When the farro is done, stir in the butternut squash, paprika and red pepper flakes. Add salt here if needed. Remove from heat and serve in bowls topped with fresh sage, pecans and pancetta.

Makes 4 – 6 servings.