Simple Herbed Farro
A simple, nutty, and perfectly cooked farro, lightly seasoned with herbs and a touch of olive oil. It's the perfect versatile grain side for any Mediterranean-inspired meal, ready in about 30 minutes.
For 2 servings
Rinse the farro.
Place the farro in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. This removes any excess starch and dust.
Bring farro and water to a boil.
- Combine the rinsed farro, water, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
TIPUsing a pot with a tight-fitting lid is key for even cooking.Simmer until tender.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer gently. Cook until the farro is tender and has absorbed most of the water, about 25-30 minutes.
TIPAvoid lifting the lid while simmering, as this lets steam escape and can affect the cooking time and texture.Let the farro rest.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the grains to steam and become fluffy.
Fluff and season.
- Uncover the saucepan and fluff the cooked farro with a fork.
- Drizzle with olive oil, and stir in the dried parsley and black pepper.
- Serve warm as a side dish.
TIPFarro is also delicious served at room temperature in salads.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a nuttier flavor, toast the dry farro in the saucepan for a minute before adding water.
- 2You can cook farro in vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor, but be mindful of the added sodium.
- 3Cooked farro can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it great for meal prep.
- 4Ensure you are using pearled or semi-pearled farro for this cooking time. Whole farro will require soaking and a longer cooking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Farro contains gluten. For a gluten-free alternative, substitute the farro with an equal amount of quinoa or brown rice and adjust the cooking time and water ratio accordingly.
high proteinHigh protein
To boost the protein content, stir in 1/2 cup of cooked chickpeas or lentils at the end.
quickQuick
Use quick-cooking farro, which is par-cooked and typically ready in about 10-12 minutes.
healthyHealthy
Add finely diced vegetables like carrots and celery to the pot along with the farro to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Farro is rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Good Plant-Based Protein
As a whole grain, farro provides a good amount of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Complex Carbohydrates
The complex carbs in farro provide a steady release of energy, making it a great choice to fuel your day without causing energy spikes.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, farro is a very healthy whole grain. It's an excellent source of dietary fiber, plant-based protein, and essential nutrients like magnesium and iron, which support energy levels and digestive health.