Author Notes: I like to think of this gratin as farro salad in autumn sweater form. It’s cozy, comforting, and not too heavy. It doesn’t require much effort, either--a dish that’s as fitting for a harried weeknight as a relaxed weekend dinner with friends. 

Farro Gratin With Brussels Sprouts

Makes: 1 casserole dish

• 1cup uncooked farro
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 4tablespoons olive oil, divided (plus more for greasing)
• 2tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 1/2teaspoon Aleppo pepper, or a few small pinches of red pepper flakes
• 5ounces aged cheddar, shredded (yielding 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/2cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2cup pecorino, finely grated
• Freshly ground black pepper

1. Heat oven to 400° F. Meanwhile, cook farro in a large pot of boiling salted water, skimming the surface a few times, until tender, 15 to 20 minutes—or according to package directions. Drain.
2. Toss grains while still warm in a large bowl (or back in the pan if it’s large enough for mixing) with 3 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic, and a pinch or two of salt. (The balsamic will taste a bit strong at this point, but it’ll mellow in the oven and help cut through the gratin’s richness.). Toss in Brussels sprouts, and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or to taste) and Aleppo pepper. Add shredded cheese, and toss again until evenly mixed. Transfer to a lightly greased 14-inch round pan, a 9x13-inch casserole, or an equivalently sized dish.
3. In a small bowl, combine panko, pecorino, and several grinds of black pepper. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil evenly over panko mixture (otherwise it’ll clump) and using hands, toss together until evenly mixed. Spread evenly over the farro and Brussels sprouts.
4. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the crumbs are golden and crispy. Serve warm.

https://food52.com/recipes/73668-farro-gratin-with-brussels-sprouts