Ingredients
3 small acorn squash
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 c. farro
2 c. plus 2 tablespoons apple cider, divided
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 lb. sweet Italian sausage
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
1 bunch lacinato kale, stems removed and chopped
Preparation
Step 1 Preheat oven to 400°. Cut each end off squash and halve. Step 2Use a spoon to remove seeds and brush all over with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and roast until tender, 30-35 minutes. Step 3Meanwhile, make farro: in a medium sauce pan, combine farro with 2 cups cider, 1 cup water, and thyme sprigs. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is evaporated and farro is tender, 25 to 30 minutes. If your liquid is evaporated and farro is not yet tender, add more water a ¼ cup at a time. Remove thyme sprigs.Step 4Meanwhile, make filling: in a large skillet over medium heat, heat remaining oil. Add sausage and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon and stirring occasionally until golden and cooked through, 5 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon onto a paper-towel lined plate.Step 5Drain most fat from the skillet, reserving about 1 tablespoon for cooking. Add onion and celery and cook until soft, 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add garlic and chopped thyme and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more.Step 6Add kale and cook, stirring frequently. Add remaining 2 tablespoons cider after 4 minutes of cooking, then cook 4 minutes more, or until kale is tender.Step 7Add cooked farro and sausage to skillet with vegetables and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Divide mixture among the 6 squash halves. Switch oven to broil and broil until tops are golden and filling is warmed, 2 to 3 minutes.
For a vegetarian variation, sub out sausage for shiitakes or button mushrooms sautéed in butter or olive oil! We honestly could eat one or two of these and call it a whole meal but we also think it could be delicious served along side a bright, simple salad but if you have some leftover farro, go ahead and make this farro salad that is full of fall vibes. And for dessert? Stay on theme with pumpkin chocolate chip cookies! Made it? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!
