Beets and Farro with Smoky Almonds

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds beets; combination gold and red (6 medium)
• 1 1/2 cups dried farro
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 ounces (4 cups loosely packed) baby arugula
• 1/2 cup (3 ounces) smoked almonds, coarsely chopped

Preparation

1. 1. Preheat oven to 425°. Arrange beets in single layer in a 13- x 9- x 2-inch baking dish. Cover dish tightly with foil and roast beets until tender (1 to 1 1/4 hours). Once cool enough to handle, remove skin and cut each into 6 to 8 wedges.
2. 2. While beets roast, cover farro with cold water in a bowl and soak 30 minutes; drain, discarding water. Bring farro, 4 cups water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium (2- to 3-quart) saucepan; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until just tender (15-20 minutes). Drain.
3. 3. Whisk together vinegar, honey, and pepper until combined; add oil in a stream, whisking to combine.
4. 4. Transfer farro to a large bowl. Stir half of dressing into hot farro; add beets, arugula, almonds, and remaining vinaigrette, and stir gently to combine.