Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups pearled farro
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (kept warm)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 cup asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:

   • In a saucepan, heat the vegetable or chicken broth over low heat. Keep it warm but not boiling.

2. Sauté the Onion:

   • In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.

3. Toast the Farro:

   • Add the pearled farro to the skillet with the sautéed onion. Stir for a minute or two until the farro is well-coated with the butter and oil and heated through.

4. Add the Wine:

   • Pour in the white wine and cook until it's mostly absorbed by the farro.

5. Cook the Farrotto:

   • Begin adding the warm broth to the farro, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each ladle of broth to be absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until the farro is creamy and cooked to your desired level of doneness, usually about 25-30 minutes.

6. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • While the farro is cooking, in a separate skillet, sauté the diced zucchini, asparagus, peas, carrots, and bell peppers with a little olive oil until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

7. Combine the Farro and Vegetables:

   • Once the farro is cooked and creamy, add the sautéed vegetables to the farrotto. Stir to combine and heat everything through.

8. Season and Finish:

   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, and season the farrotto with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well.

9. Serve Hot:

   • Serve the Farrotto Primavera hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil or parsley.

Farrotto Primavera is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional risotto. The combination of farro and a medley of spring vegetables creates a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for any time of the year. Enjoy your homemade farrotto!