Seared Salmon over Farro

Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, add the farro and cook, uncovered, 18 to 20 minutes, or until tender. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. Cover to keep warm. 

Meanwhile, wash and dry the fresh produce. Halve the zucchini lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise. Peel the carrots; thinly slice into rounds. Combine the sliced zucchini and sliced carrots in a bowl. Peel 2 cloves of garlic; using a zester or the small side of a box grater, finely grate into a paste. Pit and roughly chop the dates. In a bowl, combine the labneh, half the vinegar, up to half the garlic paste, and a drizzle of olive oil. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

Pat the fish dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper on both sides. In a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium until hot. Add the seasoned fish, skin side up. Loosely cover the pan with foil and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Flip and cook 2 to 4 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.* Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a plate; cover with foil to keep warm. 

*An instant-read thermometer should register 145°F.

Add the sliced zucchini and carrots to the pan of reserved fond (if the pan seems dry, add a drizzle of olive oil). Season with salt and pepper. Cook on medium-high, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the remaining garlic paste and remaining vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until softened. Turn off the heat. 

To the pot of cooked farro, add the cooked vegetables, chopped dates, and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper; stir to combine. Serve the cooked fish over the finished farro. Top the fish with the garlic labneh. Enjoy!