Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Bluebird Emmer Farro (Bluebird Einkorn also works well)
- 1/2 cup Bluebird Split Emmer Farro
- 2 bunches escarole
- 1 cup, packed frisee (curly endive)
- 1 cup, packed baby arugula
- 1 Tablespoon fresh Moroccan mint coarsely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon curly parsley coarsely chopped
- 1 cup Persian or English cucumber skin and seeds removed, diced
- 4 ounces ricotta salata
- 1/4 cup pistachios roasted and chopped
- 1/2 cup dried barberries (pomegranate seeds fresh or dried or dried cranberries or cherries can be used in place of barberries).
- 1/2 teaspoon za'atar
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/2 cup Pomegranate Syrup see below for recipe
Pomegranate Syrup
- 2 cups pomegranate juice
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice plus extra for dressing
Methods
Pomegranate Syrup
- Begin by making the Pomegranate syrup, a reduction of pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice. Place all three ingredients in a 4 quart saucepan set over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the mixture has reduced to about ½ cup, approximately 15 minutes or until the consistency is of syrup. Remove from the heat and cool. Transfer to a glass jar. You can do this step in advance.
For the Salad
- In medium size saucepan add whole grain emmer farro to 4 cups of water. Bring to a rolling boil then reduce heat, uncovered and cook for 60 minutes on a low simmer. Turn heat off, drain excess liquid. Cool.
- In separate small saucepan add split emmer farro to 1 ½ cups of water. Bring to boil, and then turn to a low simmer, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes, until water is absorbed. Turn heat off and allow it to sit for 10 minutes covered. Remove lid and bring to room temperature, allowing grain to fully cook and dry out. If pinched for time you can spread the splits onto a cookie sheet to cool and dry quickly.
- Chill grains until ready to toss and serve salad. This step can be done a few days in advance.
- Tear escarole in medium size bowl. Toss with frisee, arugula, mint and parsley; set aside.
- Dice cucumbers into a separate bowl. Place fresh ingredients in a refrigerator and chill until ready to serve.
Dressing
- Whisk vinegar and pomegranate syrup until thoroughly incorporated. Set aside.
Assemble Salad
- Immediately before serving toss together escarole/frisee mix with whole and split emmer and cucumbers.
- Dress with olive oil plus a dash of fresh lemon juice, za’tar, salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate each serving and top with pistachios, barberries and ricotta.
- Drizzle pomegranate syrup/vinegar mixture on top and around edges of each plate.Serve immediately.
