Maverick Mix Grain Bowl

Step 1

To cook the farro, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil, and add the salt and vinegar. Add the farro and return to a boil. Reduce to a strong simmer, and cook 18 to 20 minutes until the grains start to split and they are al dente. Drain the farro and spread out on a dinner plate to cool. Set aside.

Step 2

Blanch the snap peas for about 10 seconds and refresh in ice water. Pat dry and cut into slivers. Shave the fennel as thinly as possible, using a mandoline slicer if you have one.

Step 3

Cut the tofu into 4 thick slabs and cut each slab in half. Lay out between a few layers of paper towels and press lightly to absorb excess moisture. Transfer to a plate, and coat with the BBQ sauce on all sides. Mix the paprika, garlic powder and salt together and spread out on a small plate. Dip the two largest sides of each piece of tofu in the spice mixture to coat and return to a clean, dry plate.

Step 4

Light a gas grill to medium high. Toss the asparagus with enough oil to lightly coat them, and season with salt and pepper. Spread the asparagus on one side of a grill platter and spread one pint of tomatoes on the other side. Oil the grill grates using a paper towel soaked with oil and a pair of tongs and place the tofu on the grill. Cook the asparagus, tossing once with tongs, for about 5 minutes, until browned in spots. Cook the tomatoes until charred and softened, 8 to 10 minutes, and transfer using a spatula to a small bowl. Cook the tofu for about 3 minutes per side and transfer back to the plate.

Step 5

Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper, add the oil and vinegar, and mix well. Press through a sieve and discard the skins and seeds. This is your vinaigrette.

Step 6

Assemble the bowls: Divide the farro among four wide, shallow bowls. Arrange the asparagus, snap peas, fennel, tomatoes, and tofu on top of the farro. Garnish with the scallions, radishes, and herbs, if using. Spoon some of the dressing on each bowl and pass any additional on the side.