Farro, which we use in the Farro & Beet Salad, is a staple in Umbria. It is an ancient grain that probably predates wheat. Umbrians use the grain whole in soups and salads, and they also grind it into flour for pasta, gnocchi, and even crepes. The nutty flavor and the chewy consistency of farro is perfect for salads and soups.

It’s often called emmer, which is a type of farro. There are actually three different types of farro: farro piccolo (einkorn), farro medio (emmer), and farro grande (spelt). Emmer is what you'll find sold most often in the U.S.

The most flavorful farro is whole grain, which must be soaked overnight before cooking. The variety labeled "semiperlato” in Italy has had some of the bran removed and will cook more quickly than the whole grain. Usually the cooking times will be on the package that you purchase.

Click this link if you would like to read about the considerable health benefits of farro, which is loaded with fiber, protein and anti-oxidents.

Chef Shawn pairs Toasted Farro with the Duck Duck at M’tucci’s Twenty-Five: Seared Duck Breast, a Duck Confit, served with a Strawberry Shrub Butter Sauce, Grilled Zucchini and Fried Parsley (and it’s only $18).

Duck Duck (Duck two ways) at M’tucci’s Twenty-Five

The Farro and Roasted Golden Beet Salad has been a popular item at M’tucci’s Italian for several years. Company Chef John Haas wanted to create a salad with grains and greens, almost a super salad with big flavors. We add candied pecans, roasted red onions, toss the baby greens with a garlic mustard vinaigrette and top it with Italian gorgonzola cheese.

The Farro/Roasted Beet Salad is also part of this weekend’s M’tucci’s @ Home Prep Kitchen kit, which features Smoked Baby Back Ribs that you’ll finish at home on the grill or in the oven. Each Kit comes with 1 1/2 slabs of baby backs, with M’tucci’s dry rub and BBQ sauce. Roasted Potatoes and Onions, plus 4 Brown Butter Sugar Cookies complete this meal. You can order one by calling any of our locations and reserving your kit.

We aren’t trying to compete with the local BBQ shops, we just love making great pork dishes for you!

Click below to follow the easy steps to completing this meal:

Weekend Specials

M’tucci’s Italian

24 oz Hand Cut Bone-In Porterhouse - Crispy Salt Water Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Balsamic Reduction $37

Pan-Seared Rockfish - Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Artichokes, Sautéed Arugula, Lemon Cream Sauce $21

Sunday Only: Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs, Salt Water Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach and House BBQ Sauce for $27

M’tucci’s Moderno

Pan-Seared Yellowtail - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Sautéed Arugula with Lemon Butter Caper Sauce and Prosciutto Powder $21

Pesto Ravioli with Shallots, Grape Tomatoes, Roasted Artichokes in a Lemon Pesto Cream Sauce

Sunday Only: House Made Lasagna with Herbed Ricotta, Five Pork Bolognese and Roasted Tomato Marinara. Single portion for $16 (it’s large) and a double portion with a salad for $30.

M’tucci’s Twenty-Five

Pan-Seared Ono, Grilled Escarole, Garlic Whipped Potatoes, Grilled Escarole, Seared Artrichokes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce and Prosciutto Powder $24

M’tucci’s @ Home

Don’t forget to look for our Artisan Bread and Ravioli Meals at your local Albertsons Market. Also, we also have our Artisan Bread, Shrubs, cheese and cured meats in the deli counters at all M’tucci’s locations.