Ingredients:

For the Farrotto:

• 1 cup pearled farro
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (kept warm)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Basil Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

For the Basil Pesto:

1. Prepare the Pesto:
   • In a food processor, combine fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
   • Pulse until the ingredients form a smooth and creamy pesto sauce. Set aside.

For the Farrotto:

1. Sauté the Onion:

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

2. 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 onion and oil.

3. Add the Wine (optional):

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

4. 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 30-40 minutes.

5. Add the Tomatoes:

   • Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes are heated through.

6. Stir in the Parmesan:

   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the farro is creamy and the cheese is melted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

7. Serve:

   • Serve the Three Tomato Farrotto hot, garnished with a spoonful of basil pesto.

This Three Tomato Farrotto with Basil Pesto is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines the earthy goodness of farro with a medley of tomato flavors and the aromatic richness of pesto. Enjoy this wholesome meal!