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Farro - Simple Easy Meals

When I first encountered farro, I was taken by its unique texture and flavor. As a busy dietitian and food enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for nutritious grains that fit seamlessly into my meals. 
Farro quickly became a staple not just for me but for my friends and family too. It can elevate a dish from mundane to magnificent in moments! Let’s journey through what makes farro special, how to prepare it perfectly, and why it should be your next kitchen hero.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked farro
  • 4 cups filtered water
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt adjust to taste
  • 1 small garlic clove finely minced or pressed
  • 1 small fresh rosemary sprig
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Method
 

Step 1: Rinse the Farro
  1. Start by measuring out your 1 cup of uncooked farro. Place it in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water. This helps remove any debris or dust from the grain. Trust me; this step enhances the overall taste.
Step 2: Boil the Water
  1. In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of filtered water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the water can enhance the flavor of farro, so feel free to adjust to your taste.
Step 3: Cook the Farro
  1. Once the water is boiling, stir in your rinsed farro. Lower the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it simmer. For semi-pearled farro, cook for 25–30 minutes until it’s tender yet chewy. If using whole farro, expect to simmer for 40–60 minutes. Check for doneness; it should have a pleasant bite.
Step 4: Drain and Season
  1. Once cooked, drain any excess water using a strainer. Return the farro to the pot. Add in your minced garlic and fresh rosemary. Stir in black pepper and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Allow the residual heat to bloom the flavors for a few minutes.
Step 5: Serve
  1. After seasoning, farro is ready to serve. You can eat it warm, cold, or as a base for salads. Garnish with fresh herbs, your favorite vegetables, or proteins—whatever tickles your fancy!

Notes

  • Rinse Thoroughly: Always rinse your farro. This not only improves flavor but helps achieve the best texture.
  • Check for Doneness: Not all farro cooks the same! Keep testing it for that perfect bite and adjust your cooking time accordingly.
  • Batch Cook: Make a large batch of farro. Store it in the fridge for easy use in salads and sides throughout the week.
  • Experiment with Broth: For extra flavor, cook farro in vegetable or chicken broth instead of plain water.
  • Get Creative with Seasoning: Don’t be shy! Try adding spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or herbs to the cooking water for added flavor.