If the goal is maximum flavor, incredible texture, satisfying and wholesome ingredients, and LOW KEY cooking, this is the one-pot unicorn that checks every single box.

This recipe is amazing. It seems humble and slightly too healthy at first glance, I know. But it’s something of a miracle.

It’s nutty, chewy, rustic, and just the slightest bit brothy, which is compelling and unexpected and delicious. It’s spoonable like a stew, but textured and chewy more like a pasta. The flavors are mellow from gently cooked thinly sliced onion and garlic, sweet and tomatoey, and earthy and hearty from the kale. Torn basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan take it to a new level, and the extra olive oil that I recommend (require) creates a silky, satisfying, and luscious texture situation. And finally, the red pepper flakes – should you choose to go that route – give it just enough of a spark to keep you hooked bite after bite after chewy, savory bite.

To make it, here’s what you have to do:

Put things in a pan, and simmer them. The end.

Maximum flavor, minimal work. The essence of what we all want in life.

The Wonderfully Short Ingredient List

• tomatoes
• kale
• farro
• onion
• garlic
• basil
• Parmesan

A little extra olive oil, salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, and you’re running with the big dogs now.

How such lowly, regular ingredients can combine in such a simple way to make something so incredible is just one of the great gifts of the food universe.

What I Love About This Recipe

• It’s super nutritious in a happy, delicious, want-to-eat-more kind of way.
• It makes amazing leftovers, although you’ll need to double or triple the batch if you want to have any left because it goes FAST.
• It can be super cozy for fall, but also somehow appropriate for the end of summer? Here for it.
• You can just put it on the stove and walk away and do something else.
• It’s a customizer’s dream. Add or subtract any veggies that you do or don’t like, and throw some extra protein in there to give it some oomph if you feel like you need it (although you may be as surprised as I was at how much it can really stand on its own). A fried egg, a couple chicken meatballs, a can of white beans or some spicy ground Italian sausage for those who want… it’s a choose your own adventure.

One-Pan Farro with Tomatoes and Kale: FAQs

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Source notes: What a gift to us from Deb of Smitten Kitchen. I found this recipe while browsing her YouTube channel which is a great way to spend a little time if you’re needing something to do as you procrastinate real-life responsibilities. As I understand it, this recipe was originally a Martha Stewart recipe that was redone by Deb a few years ago. A few friends shared this recipe with me and when I saw it (again) on her YouTube, I knew it was a sign. One batch of this recipe and I was hooked. It is an essential.

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More Quick Veg-Friendly Meals:

• Grilled Chimichurri Portobellos with Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes (do not skip the potatoes!)
• Amazing Mushroom Bowls with Kale Pesto (smoky and sweet – can you think of a better duo?)
• Easy Vegan Burrito Bowls (convert all your meat-loving friends with this cauli walnut taco meat)
• Farmers’ Market Pasta with Walnut Pesto (an end-of-summer necessity)

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