Farro Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash

Serves 4 generously

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Tahini Dressing: (makes 1/2 cup. Extra can be used as salad dressing later.)

2 ½ Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 Tablespoons tahini

1 Tablespoon warm water

1 garlic clove, finely grated

¼ teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

¼ cup olive oil

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Salad:

1 pound butternut squash peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes

1 ½ teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

1 cup farro, before cooking

¼ cup golden raisins

1 cup chickpeas

¾ teaspoon pure maple syrup

1/3 cup tahini dressing, recipe above

½ cup chopped cilantro

¼ cup toasted walnuts

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Method:

Dressing

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisking well.

Salad

Preheat oven to 350F.

Toss squash and olive oil together and spread out on a foil lined baking sheet.

Bake for 30 minutes, until lightly golden and tender.

Cook farro in a pot of boiling water (like pasta) until chewy but tender, about 20-30 minutes.

Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Soak raisins in warm tap water for a few minutes, until they are soft and plump.

Toss squash, farro, raisins, chickpeas, maple syrup, and dressing together gently in bowl.

Add the cilantro and walnuts just before serving.