In this article, I will instruct you how to cook farro quickly and conveniently in three different ways- on the stovetop, in the instant pot & in a rice cooker. To give you a head up on the ingredient let’s begin with some necessary details of farro!

1. What is Farro?

Farro is an ancient whole grain that comes from wheat. It is a type of hulled wheat that has been cultivated for thousands of years, particularly in the Mediterranean region. Farro has a nutty flavor, a chewy texture, and is considered a healthier alternative to refined grains like white rice or pasta.

Farro is a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, including magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. It can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, stews, and grain bowls. In recent years, farro has gained popularity as a nutritious and flavorful ingredient in the culinary world.

2. FAQs When Cooking Farro?

Should Farro Be Soaked Before Cooking?

For stovetop method, you needs soak whole grain farro before cooking. The semi-pearled and pearled variety can be cooked without soaking!

For Instant pot method and rice cooker method, you don’t need soak them whether using any type of farro

To soak whole grain farro, place the desired amount of farro in a large bowl. Next, add enough cold water to cover the farro by a few inches. Let the farro soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.  After soaking, rinse it thoroughly under cold water and drain.

The ratio of water to farro will depend on what type of farro you use for cooking. For soaked whole farro grain, the ratio of water to farro is 3:1. If using semi-pearled farro and pearled farro, the ratio of water to farro is 2:1

How Much Farro Per Person?

If you’re serving farro as a side dish, the recommended serving size for farro per person is 1/4 cup of uncooked farro. If you’re serving farro as main courses, you will need increase the portion to 1/2 cup per person.

3. How To Cook Farro on Stovetop

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of any farro
  • 2 or 3 cups of water or broth
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: If using whole grain farro need soak before toast, for semi-pearled farro and pearled farro you can skip step soak and toast them immediately.

Step 2: After toasting, transfer the farro to a medium saucepan. Next, pour water or broth into, add with salt, olive oil and mix well then close the lid

Step 3: Place the saucepan on the stove over high heat and let it come to a boil.

Step 4: Once the liquid starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot with a lid. Let simmer for 45 minutes with whole grain farro, 30 minutes if using semi-pearled Farro, and 20 minutes if using pearled farro.

Step 5: Finally, turn off the stove and let your farro rest for 10 minutes, uncover and serve!

4. How To Cook Farro in Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of any farro (toasted)
  • 2 or 3 cups of water or broth
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Transfer the toasted farro to instant pot along with salt and water or broth then mix well

Step 2: Lock the lid and adjust the knob to the “sealing” position.

Step 3: Plugin the instant pot! Press the “pressure cook button,” choose the “high pressure” mode, and set the timer to “8 minutes” for whole type farro and “6 minutes” for Pearled + Semi-Pearled type Farro

Step 4: Now, let the instant pot release the steam naturally for 7 minutes. After that, turn the knob to the “venting position” to release the remaining moisture. Finally, unlock & uncover the lid. If you notice any extra liquid in the pot, drain it and serve!

How To Cook Farro

5. How To Cook Farro in a Rice Cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of any farro (toasted)
  • 2 or 3 cups of water or broth
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Transfer the toasted farro to a rice cooker. Next, add water, salt and butter then mix well and close the lid

Step 2: Plugin the rice cooker and set the timer to 45 minutes for whole grain farro, 30 minutes for semi-pearled farro, and 20 minutes for pearled farro

Step 3: When 45 minutes have elapsed, or the rice cooker switches from ‘cook mode’ to ‘warm mode,’ switch it off. Let your farro rest for 10 minutes then uncover the lid and serve immediately.

6. What To Do With Cooked Farro

Farro Salad: Toss cooked farro with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful dressing to create a delicious and nutritious salad. You can add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, olives, roasted vegetables, or avocado for added flavor and texture.

Grain Bowls: Build a grain bowl by layering cooked farro with cooked proteins (chicken, tofu, shrimp, etc.), sauteed or steamed vegetables, and your choice of sauce or dressing.

Soups and Stews: Add cooked farro to soups and stews to give them a hearty and satisfying texture. It works well in vegetable soups, minestrone, or bean-based stews.

Side Dish: Serve cooked farro as a flavorful side dish alongside roasted meats, grilled fish, or roasted vegetables. Season it with herbs, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Farro Risotto: Use cooked farro as a substitute for rice in a creamy risotto. Sauté onions, garlic, and vegetables, then add cooked farro and gradually stir in vegetable or chicken broth until it reaches a creamy consistency. Finish it off with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

Breakfast Porridge: For a hearty breakfast, cook the farro with milk or water and sweeten it with honey or maple syrup. Top it with fresh fruit, nuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a nutritious and filling start to your day.

Above is how to cook farro perfectly at home. Is it easy? Even a child can learn to do this. Please make your cereal and enjoy it daily to have a better healthy life, and add this nutritious grain to your meal plan!

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Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

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