Roasted Beef & Farro Salad

Remove the beef from the refrigerator to bring to room temperature.Preheat the oven to 450°F. Heat a medium pot of salted water to boiling on high. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil. Pat the beef dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper on all sides. In a large, high-sided pan (or pot), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned beef and cook, turning occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes, or until browned on all sides. Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan on the stove, transfer to the prepared sheet pan. Roast 8 to 10 minutes, or until cooked to your desired degree of doneness. (An instant-read thermometer should register 125°F for medium-rare.) Remove from the oven and transfer to a cutting board to rest for at least 5 minutes.

While the beef sears, add the farro to the pot of boiling water and cook, uncovered, 16 to 18 minutes, or until tender. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot.

While the farro cooks, wash and dry the fresh produce. Cut off and discard the pepper stems; halve lengthwise. Remove and discard the ribs and seeds, then thinly slice crosswise. Peel and thinly slice the garlic. Medium dice the squash. Pick the parsley leaves off the stems; discard the stems.

To the pan of reserved fond, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil; heat on medium-high until hot. Add the peppers and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the sugar, ¾ of the vinegar, and 3 tablespoons of water (be careful, as the liquid may splatter). Cook, stirring frequently and scraping up any fond from the bottom of the pan, 3 to 4 minutes, or until thoroughly combined and the liquid is slightly reduced in volume. Transfer to a bowl; season with salt and pepper to taste. Rinse and wipe out the pan.

In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the squash. Cook, without stirring, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until softened. Transfer to the pot of cooked farro. Add the cheese, olives, remaining vinegar and half the parsley; season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Drizzle with olive oil; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Find the lines of muscle (or grain) on the rested beef; thinly slice crosswise against the grain. Divide the finished farro between 2 dishes. Top with the sliced beef. Drizzle with olive oil and top with the cooked peppers (including any liquid from the bowl). Garnish with the remaining parsley. Enjoy!