Seared Tilapia & Pickled Pepper Relish

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. Cook, uncovered, 18 to 20 minutes, or until tender. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. Cover to keep warm.

While the farro cooks, wash and dry the fresh produce. Remove any husks and silks from the corn; cut the kernels off the cobs. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. Halve the tomatoes; place in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Thinly slice the chives. Roughly chop the peppers. Roughly chop the almonds. Combine in a bowl; add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir to combine. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. 

While the farro continues to cook, pat the fish dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned fish. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until lightly browned and cooked through. Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.

In the pan of reserved fond, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the corn kernels in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned (be careful, as the corn may pop as it cooks). Add the capers, chopped garlic, and as much of the red pepper flakes as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the seasoned tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly softened. Turn off the heat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

To the pot of cooked farro, add the cooked vegetables and crème fraîche. Stir to thoroughly combine. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the finished farro topped with the cooked fish and relish. Garnish with the sliced chives. Enjoy!