Farro Salad with Leeks, Chickpeas and Currants

Ingredients
4 large leeks, halved lengthwise, cleaned and sliced crosswise 1/4-inch thick  (if you have never used leeks before, then look up how to wash them on the internet).  I don’t use the very dark green part.
2/3 cup plus 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 1/4 teaspoons coarse kosher salt, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or two 15-ounce cans, drained) = 1 cup dried chick peas
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, preferably from Meyer lemons (2 to 3 lemons), more to taste
1/4 teaspoon crushed red chile flakes
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups dry farro
2/3 cup dried currants
1/2 cup chopped celery leaves and tender stems

If you can’t find farro, can substitute any grain or even Israeli cous cous. You can make it days in advance. Just gets better and better.

  • Heat oven to 425 degrees. Using a large rimmed baking sheet, toss leeks with 1/4 cup oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Spread leeks out in a single layer (use a second baking sheet if necessary) and roast, tossing frequently, until golden brown and crisp at the edges, about 20 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, toss leeks with chickpeas, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, chile flakes and garlic. Stir in 2/3 cup oil. Let marinate while you prepare the farro.
  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook farro until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well. Toss with chickpea mixture. Stir in currants and celery leaf. Taste and add more salt or lemon if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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