Italian Lentil–Farro Harvest Bowls

Earthy lentils and whole-grain farro meet caramelized squash and mushrooms in an Italian-inspired bowl built around Washington’s mid-October harvest.

  • Total time: 55 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $9
  • Calories per serving: 590 cal
  • Stovetop
  • Oven

Ingredients

  • Simple Truth Organic Dry Green Lentils
    1/2 cup dry (about 3.5 oz) $2.99
  • Bob's Red Mill Organic Whole Grain Farro
    1/2 cup dry (about 3 oz) $7.29
  • Organic Butternut Squash
    1 small, about 1 1/2 lb (yielding about 1 lb peeled and seeded) $1.99
  • Whole White Mushrooms
    8 oz $2.39
  • Yellow Onion
    1 small, about 4 oz $0.89
  • Fresh Diced Garlic
    1 teaspoon $3.49
  • Organic Lemon
    1 $1.29
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
    2 tablespoons
  • Dried rosemary
    1 teaspoon
  • Diamond Crystal kosher salt
    3 1/2 teaspoons
  • Ground black pepper
    1/2 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Rinse 1/2 cup dry whole-grain farro. Combine it with 3 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until tender but pleasantly chewy; add water if needed and drain when done. Continue with the other components while it cooks.

  2. Peel and seed 1 small butternut squash, about 1 1/2 lb, then cut the approximately 1 lb flesh into 1/2-inch cubes. Trim and halve 8 oz mushrooms, quartering any large ones. Peel 1 small yellow onion, about 4 oz, and cut into thin wedges.

  3. Toss the prepared vegetables on a large rimmed baking sheet with:

    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed between your fingers
    • 2 3/4 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

    Spread into one layer. Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the squash is tender and the vegetables are browned.

  4. Rinse and check 1/2 cup dry green lentils for debris. Put them in a second saucepan with 2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, until tender but intact. Drain well.

  5. Finely grate the zest from 1 organic lemon, then squeeze its juice. In a large serving bowl, whisk together:

    • All the lemon zest and 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon fresh diced garlic
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

    Stir in the warm drained lentils and farro so they absorb the dressing.

  6. Divide the dressed lentils and farro between two bowls. Spoon the roasted vegetables generously over the top, keeping some browned squash and mushrooms visible, and serve warm.

Drink pairing: A light Pinot Noir complements the mushrooms and lentils without overwhelming the sweet roasted squash.