Recipe Type: Sides

 

March 6, 2026

Golden Farro with Roasted Chickpeas and Baby Turnip

farro salad, warm farro salad, roasted chickpea salad

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Bluebird Emmer Farro
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 large leek or one onion; halved, then sliced into thin half moons
  • bunch baby turnips with greens (about 8 small turnips)
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons butter or use more olive oil
  • 1 15 ounce can chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 2 bay leaves broken in half
  • 1 teaspoon whole cumin seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt kosher or sea salt
  • more salt and pepper to taste

Methods

  • Place the farro, water and salt in a medium or large saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, then turn heat to low, cover, and simmer for 50 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • Place the leek slices in a bowl of cold water and swish them around to wash out any grit. Lift the slices out into a colander to drain.
  • Wash the baby turnips, remove the tops and them aside. Cut the roots into quarters (if using a larger turnip, chop into about 1/2 inch pieces).
  • Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the olive oil, butter, chickpeas, leek, turnip roots, lemon zest and juice, vinegar, honey, bay leaves, cumin seed, turmeric, smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir occasionally until everything sizzles (about 3 minutes).
  • Transfer this mixture to a large rimmed baking sheet, spread in an even layer, and roast in the oven for 20 minutes.
  • After the farro has simmered for 50 minutes, remove the lid and roughly tear the baby turnip greens into large pieces into the simmering farro. Replace the lid and cook for just 30 seconds to 1 minute to blanch the greens. Turn off the heat, drain the farro & greens and return to the pot.
  • Scoop the cooked chickpea mixture into the farro and stir to combine well. 
  • Top each serving with coarse flake salt and fresh ground pepper.

 

January 2, 2026

Jalapeño Cheddar Pan Bread

Jalapeno cheddar cornbread, the best cornbread recipe, cornbread with wholewheat flour, Sonora flour recipe
Print Recipe
12 servings
This Savory Jalapeño Cheddar Pan Bread is a pan-baked bread made with Bluebird Grain Farms fresh-milled Sonora Wheat Flour and your choice of cornmeal. Sonora wheat, a heritage soft white wheat, brings a naturally smooth, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with rich cheddar and zesty jalapeños.
Baked in a pan for crisp edges and a tender interior, this bread is perfect served warm, sliced into wedges, or paired with hearty meals like chili, soups, or roasted vegetables. A simple, flavorful recipe that highlights our single-origin organic Sonora wheat, real ingredients, and whole-grain goodness.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Sonora whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup cornmeal medium to course grind
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cumin ground
  • 1 1/3 cup buttermilk
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1/2 cup butter divided
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced. divided
  • 1 teaspoon Malden salt flakes for topping

Methods

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • In a large mixing bowl mix together dry ingredients: Sonora flour, cornmeal, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cumin.
  • Melt 1/4 cup butter and set aside to cool slightly before blending with eggs.
  • In a separate bowl mix wet ingredients: eggs, buttermilk, melted butter. Whisk until incorporated.
  • Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until thoroughly blended.
  • Place pan or cast iron skillet in hot oven with remaining 1/4 cup stick of butter until pan is hot and butter is melted. Make sure not to burn the butter!
  • While pan is heating up add cheddar cheese and jalapenos to the batter, reserving 1 tablespoon of jalapenos for topping. Mix lightly until incorporated.
  • Transfer batter to hot pan (making sure that melted butter covers the bottom of the pan evenly before pouring in the batter).
  • Sprinkle the remaining jalapenos and flaked salt on top of the batter.
  • Bake 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and a inserted toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

 

 

April 4, 2025

Ancient Grain Blend with Tzatziki Sauce & Asparagus

Ancient grains, tzatziki, asparagus, Greek yogurt, arugula, Bluebird Grain Farms, vegetarian, Ancient Whole Grain Blend, Spring side dish with farro
Print Recipe
6 servings
A nourishing, Mediterranean Inspired dish featuring Bluebird’s Ancient Whole Grain Blend, creamy homemade tzatziki, fresh asparagus, and arugula—perfect as a light entrée or hearty side. This recipe highlights fresh, whole ingredients and is naturally vegetarian. Copyright: Bluebird Grain Farms

Ingredients

For the Grain Base
  • 1 cup Bluebird's Ancient Whole Grain Blend dry
  • 3 cups stock or water
  • dash salt
  • 2 cups arugula
For the Tzatziki Sauce
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt full fat
  • 1/2 cucumber English or Persian recommended
  • 1-2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice or white wine vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh dill chopped (can substitute mint), optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • black pepper to taste
For the Asparagus
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus about 25 stalks
  • salt for boiling water
  • olive oil for tossing
  • sea salt to taste
To Garnish
  • fresh lemons thinly sliced

Methods

Cooking Ancient Grain Blend
  • In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of water or stock to a boil with a dash of salt.
  • Add 1 cup Bluebird Ancient Grain Blend. Return to boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Cover and cook for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
  • OR: Use a rice cooker (brown rice setting) with 1 cup dry blend to 3 cups water.
  • Let grains cool to room temperature.
Make the Tzatziki Sauce
  • Grate cucumber and squeeze out moisture using a cheesecloth or clean towel.
  • In a bowl, combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and dill.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Chill for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
Prepare the Asparagus (10–15 minutes before serving)
  • Trim the woody ends (1–2 inches) off the stalks.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Boil Asparagus: Thin stalks: 2-3 minutes, Thick stalks: 4–5 minutes
  • Drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
  • Toss with olive oil and sea salt.
Assemble the Dish
  • In a large bowl, mix the cooled grain blend with 1 cup tzatziki sauce and arugula. Reserve the remaining tzatziki for garnishing the asparagus.
  • Spread mixture on a serving platter.
  • Lay the cooked asparagus on top whole grain/arugula mixture.
  • Drizzle with remaining tzatziki sauce on top of asparagus.
  • Garnish with lemon slices. Serve and enjoy!

 

March 7, 2025

Swiss Chard, Leek, and Herbed Ricotta Crostata with Emmer Crust

Emmer Flour, Crostatta, Swiss Chard Tart
Print Recipe
6 servings
Copyright: Six Seasons by Josh McFadden
Leafy greens are meant for pies and tarts, like this chard crostata- an open-faced, free form tart that doesn't require a tart pan. Here wilted chard is paired with sweet leeks and lots of fresh herbs. It's at once fresh tasting and comforting, perfect with a glass of cider.

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch swiss chard dried ends trimmed
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic smashed and peeled
  • 2 whole leeks well cleaned, trimmed and halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4inch half moons
  • 4 teaspoons dried chili flakes
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese freshly grated
  • 1 cup mixed fresh herbs lightly packed mix of any of the following: dill, cilantro, mint and parsley
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest lightly packed, grated
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 Emmer pie crust made with Bluebird Grain Farms emmer flour
  • kosher salt & freshly ground pepper

Methods

  • If the chard stems are very slim and tender, you can just sauté them along with the leaves. If they are thicker, prep them this way: Fold the leaves half lengthwise and slice along the edge of the center rib and stem to cut away the stems. Cut the stems crosswise into thin slices. Rinse the stems well in a colander and pat dry.
  • Stack a few leaves, roll them into loose cylinder, and cut or tear them into wide ribbons. Repeat with all the leaves. Rinse the leaves well in a colander and shake dry.
  • Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook slowly to toast the garlic so it's soft, fragrant, and nicely golden brown--but not burnt-about 5 minutes. Add the chard stems, leeks, and chili flakes, and season with salt and black pepper. Sauté until the leeks are soft and fragrant and the chard stems are soft, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Add the chard leaves; if they won't all fit in the pan, just add a few handfuls and toss them with tongs until they're wilted, and then add the rest. Add a splash of water and cover the pan. Cook over medium heat until the leaves are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. If there is a lot of liquid in the pan at this point, uncover the pan, raise the heat, and boil most of it off.
  • Transfer the vegetables to a bowl or platter to cool. Meanwhile, put the ricotta, Parmigiano, herbs, lemon zest, and eggs in a bowl and stir to blend well.
  • Add the cooled chard and fold together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, black pepper, or chili flakes.
  • Preheat oven to 350F.
  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly dust the work surface and roll out the dough to a rough 15-inch round. Roll the dough gently around your rolling pin, move it over the baking sheet, and gently unroll it into position, allowing it to drape over the sides of the sheet.
  • Pile the ricotta chard filling into the middle of the dough and gently spread it in an even layer to within about 3 inches of the edge. You should have at round of filling that's about 9 inches in diameter.
  • Gently fold the border of dough up and over the filling, pleating loosely as you work your way around the crostata. Don't aim for perfection.
  • Bake the crostata until the dough is nicely browned, on the underside as well as the edges, 25 to 30 minutes. Reduce the heat to 325°F and bake until the crust is cooked all the way through, another 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Carefully slide the parchment onto a rack and let the crostata cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting. You can serve it slightly warm or at room temperature.

Products used

 

February 27, 2025

Split Emmer Cooking Instructions

organic emmer, split emmer, farro, emmer, how to cook split emmer farro, cooking instructions split emmer
Print Recipe
4
Basic preparation of Bluebird Split Emmer farro to be used as side dish or base for soups, salads and other side dishes

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4-2 1/2 cup water or stock
  • 1 cup Bluebird Split Emmer Farro
  • pinch salt

Methods

Stovetop preparation
  • Combine 1 cup Bluebird Split Emmer Farro and 2 1/2 cups water or stock and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, partially covered for 15-20 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, cover fully and let sit for 5 minutes.
Rice Cooker Preparation
  • Combine 1 cup Bluebird Split Emmer and 2 1/4 cups water and a pinch of salt in your rice cooker
  • Cook on the white rice setting until completion.

 

February 27, 2025

Potlatch Pilaf Cooking Instructions

organic ancient grains, pilaf, emmer, wild rice, How to cook potlatch pilaf, cooking instructions potlatch pilaf
Print Recipe
How to prepare the basic grain to use as a side dish or base for other dishes.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Bluebird Potlatch Pilaf
  • 2-2 1/4 cups water or stock
  • pinch salt

Methods

Stovetop Instructions
  • Saute 1 cup of dry Bluebird Potlatch Pilaf in 1 TBSP olive oil with a pinch of salt.
  • Add 2 1/4 cup water or stock and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer, covered for 35-40 minutes (more for softer grains) or until grains reach desired tenderness.
  • Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes, covered.
Rice Cooker Preparation
  • Combine 2 cups of water or stock with 1 cup of Bluebird Grain Farms Potlatch Pilaf.
  • Cook on white rice setting.

 

February 27, 2025

Einka & Lentils

Einkorn and French Lentils, Einka, Einka and Lentil Blend, French Lentils, how to cook einka & lentils, basic cooking instructions, einka & lentils cooking instructions
Print Recipe
Basic preparation for Bluebird Einka and Lentils

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Bluebird Einka & Lentils
  • 1 3/4 to 2 cups water or stock
  • pinch salt

Methods

Stovetop Preparation
  • Combine 1 cup Bluebird Einka & Lentils with 2 cups of water or stock and a pinch of salt.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes or so until grains reach desired tenderness.
  • Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Drain any excess water.
  • Enjoy as is or in your favorite side or salad recipe.
Einka & Lentils prepared in a Rice Cooker
  • Combine 1 3/4 cup water, 1 cup Bluebird Einka & Lentils and a pinch of salt in your rice cooker.
  • Set on White Rice Setting and cook to completion.

 

February 26, 2025

Emmer Farro Cooking Instructions

How to cook farro, how to cook Emmer Farro, Whole Grain Farro vs. pearled farro.
Print Recipe
4 1/2 cup servings
Meet the real Farro. The base that nourishes. Not all farro is created equal. Bluebird’s whole grain, single-origin Emmer Farro retains the full bran and germ—delivering higher protein and fiber than pearled farro. And it is a true ancient wheat, unlike much of the “farro” on the market today, which is often blended or made from modern wheat varieties.
Bluebird Emmer Farro takes a bit longer to cook, but the reward is exceptional nutrition, flavor, and texture. This whole grain holds its shape beautifully, never turning mushy. It also stores remarkably well after cooking—making it perfect for meal prep. Cook a batch and refrigerate for up to 7 days to use in grain bowls, salads, soups, or stir-fries.
Beloved by chefs and food service professionals, Emmer Farro maintains its signature toothsome texture even through extended cooking and holding.

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Bluebird Whole Grain Emmer
  • 2 1/2-4 Cups Water or Broth
  • Pinch of Salt

Methods

To Prepare on the Stovetop
  • Combine 1 cup of Bluebird Whole Grain Emmer Farro, 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes stirring frequently.
  • Cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 50-60 minutes until grains reach desired tenderness (cook longer if you like a softer grain!).
  • Drain any excess liquid and enjoy warm or cold in many dishes.
Whole Grain Emmer Farro in Rice Cooker
  • Combine 2 1/2 cups water with 1 cup Bluebird Emmer Farro and a pinch of salt in your rice cooker.
  • Set rice cooker to brown rice setting and cook until done.
To prepare in a Pressure Cooker
  • Add 1 cup Bluebird Whole Grain Emmer farro, 2 1/2 cups water or stock and a pinch of salt to a pressure cooker or multi-functional cooker. Secure the lid and set the cooker to "High Pressure" mode.
  • Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
  • Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for about 8-10 minutes.
  • Carefully release any remaining pressure using the vent, then open the lid. Drain off excess liquid.

 

February 24, 2025

Ancient Grain Blend Cooking Instructions

How to cook ancient grain blend, Ancient Grain cooking instructions, new grains to add to my diet.
Print Recipe
4
Basic preparation for Bluebird Grain Farm's Ancient Grain Blend-2 cooking options

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Bluebird Ancient Grain Blend
  • 2 3/4-3 cups water or stock
  • pinch salt

Methods

Stovetop Preparation
  • Bring 3 cups of water or stock and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.
  • Add 1 cup Bluebird Ancient Grain Blend and return to boil, stirring frequently.
  • Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 40 minutes or until grains reach desired tenderness. (longer for softer grains).
Rice Cooker preparation
  • Combine 1 cup Ancient Grain Blend with 2 3/4 cups water and a pinch of salt in your rice cooker.
  • Set on the brown rice setting and cook to completion.

 

January 23, 2025

Probiotic Winter Grain Salad

probiotic winter salad, fiber rich recipe, foods that support your biome, farro salads, firefly kitchen, Emerald City Kraut Recipe
Print Recipe
4 servings
This hearty, nutrient dense salad delivers rich flavor, fiber, and probiotics-perfect for adding a robust, health-focused dish to your winter menu! Choose your local ferments and this simple salad give you that late winter boost. In Washington state our local Methow favorites are Willow Brook Organics handcrafted ferments. In the Greater Seattle Area you can find Firefly Kitchen Ferments at PCC Markets.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked Bluebird Whole Grain Emmer Farro cooled
  • 1/4 cup Firefly's Yin Yang Carrots drained
  • 1/2 cup Firefly's Emerald City Kraut drained and chopped
  • 1 cup lacinato kale finely chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • kosher salt to taste

Methods

  • Prepare the Grain: Follow Bluebird Grain Farms’ cooking instructions for Whole Grain Emmer Farro. This grain can be cooked in a rice cooker for convenience and prepared up to 3 days in advance. Note: Using Whole Grain Emmer Farro is essential to achieve the full nutritional benefits, including its inherent fiber and rich flavor.
  • Prep the Ingredients: Chop Emerald City Kraut and kale finely to ensure even distribution and ease of serving.
  • Massage the Kale: Use your hands to gently massage the mixture, allowing the kale to soften and absorb the flavors. This step enhances the texture and ensures even seasoning.
  • Combine and Season: Once the farro has cooled, mix it with the carrots, kraut, and chopped kale in a large mixing bowl. Add salt to taste.
  • Enhance with Kraut Juice (Optional): For an extra burst of flavor, incorporate the juice from the kraut to taste. This adds tangy depth.
  • Refrigerate or Serve: The salad improves with time! Serve immediately for a fresh, vibrant dish, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully.

 

August 4, 2023

Chilled Corn and Farro Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

corn and farro salad, emmer farro

Ingredients

  • 6 ears corn shucked (about 4 cups of corn)
  • ½ cup Bluebird whole grain emmer farro raw (~1 cup cooked)
  • ½ cup red onion diced
  • 1 large bell pepper diced
  • ½ cup cilantro leaves chopped
Dressing
  • 3-4 limes freshly squeezed (~3 tablespoons juice)
  • ¾ cup cilantro and stems coarsely chopped (~1 bunch)
  • ¼-⅓ cup olive oil depending on consistency
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Jalapeno diced (increase quantity for more heat)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 lime, zested

Methods

  • Cook and cool emmer farro. Set aside. This step can be done in advance. Follow cooking instructions on the package.
  • In a large pot of salted boiling water cook the corn for 3 minutes, covered. Turn heat off and remove corn from the pot and let cool.
  • Chop remaining ingredients: onion, bell pepper, cilantro. Shave corn kernels off of their cob and add them to a medium size bowl. Combine onion, pepper and cilantro and cooked emmer farro with whole corn kernels. Make dressing.
Dressing
  • Add dressing ingredients to a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth. If dressing is too thick slowly drizzle olive oil into blender, until desired consistency.
  • Drizzle the dressing over corn ingredients and mix until thoroughly incorporated. Salt to taste. Chill and serve cold. Pair with chilled Sauvignon Blanc.
Modifications
  • Place corn salad on top of fresh garden greens.
    Add 1/2 cup of black beans or chickpeas for additional proteins.
    Top corn salad on enchiladas or tamales.
    Use as a taco filling.

 

April 28, 2023

Cumin-Toasted Split Farro and Green Chile Side

Split Emmer recipe, Cumin toasted split farro side, Organic emmer farro
Print Recipe
4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups Bluebird Split Emmer Farro
  • 3 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 medium shallot in thin long slices
  • 4 ounces roasted green chilies fresh roasted green chilies are best, but canned works too
  • 3 1/3 cups water or broth
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn
  • salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup cilantro coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup Queso Fresco Feta cheese also can work

Methods

  • Heat a medium size skillet over medium- low heat and dry roast the cumin and split farro, stirring occasionally until cumin is brown and the split farro appears “toasted” (about 5 minutes).
  • Add oil, shallots, and chili powder; sauté for about 5 minutes until shallots release their moisture and begin to turn translucent.
  • Add roasted green chilies, a pinch of salt, and liquid. Stir to incorporate ingredients. Turn the burner to low, cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 15 -20 minutes or until all the moisture is absorbed.
  • Remove the lid, incorporate corn. Careful to not release too much moisture.
  • Turn off burner, cover again with lid and let sit for 10 minutes to allow it to steam finish.
  • Remove the lid. Mix in 1/4 cup of cilantro and 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds, reserving the remaining ingredients for the topping.
  • Move into a serving bowl, top with the remaining cilantro, sunflower seeds, and Queso Fresco. Serve warm.
  • This side can also be a vegetarian taco filling served with corn tortillas.