• Home
  • Our Story
  • Contact
MyGourmetConnection

MyGourmetConnection

Recipes, Cooking and Food Blog

  • Recipes
  • Quick & Easy
  • Side Dishes
  • Main Dishes
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Main Dishes
  • Side Dishes
  • Quick & Easy
  • Our Story
  • Contact

How To Cook Farro

by Lynne Webb on January 6, 2020 (Updated August 31, 2020) // Leave a Comment

Recipes » Side Dishes » How To Cook Farro

How To Cook Farro

by Lynne Webb on January 6, 2020 (Updated August 31, 2020) // Leave a Comment

Here's the basic recipe for how to cook farro, a long-time staple of Italian cuisine, and a tasty alternative to pasta and rice.
Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
Grains of uncooked farro on the counter and in a bowl in the background

Farro has been a staple of Italian cuisine for centuries, and its mild nutty flavor, distinctive texture, and endless versatility have boosted its popularity throughout Europe and North America as well.

Rich in fiber, magnesium, and B vitamins, farro is a healthy alternative to pasta and rice that can be combined with countless other ingredients to make everything from main dishes to desserts.

What is farro?

Often referred to as an ancient grain, the word farro (pronounced FAHR-oh) is actually a common term used for three ancient varieties of wheat. These varieties were originally cultivated in an area of the Middle East known as the Fertile Crescent which included the ancient region of Mesopotamia.

Much of the farro in today’s markets, however, is grown in central and northern Italy, and because it thrives in a high-altitude, barren environment, it’s usually free of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

Types of Farro

The way farro is processed after harvesting will make a difference in the cooking time and the way it’s prepared.

Farro can be either pearled (perlato), semi-pearled (semi-perlato), or whole-grain. Here is a brief explanation of the differences.

  • Pearled farro: Pearling is a common method of removing the farro’s inedible hull as well as the bran. This is the type of farro most frequently found in U.S. markets. It’s very convenient to use as all it needs is a quick rinse before cooking and it’s done in 30 minutes or less.
  • Semi-pearled farro: Semi-pearled farro has had the hull and some of the bran removed in processing, but it still retains some fiber. Since labeling on farro can sometimes be inconsistent, it’s easiest to determine if farro is semi-pearled by checking the cooking instructions on the package. If it needs a short soak prior to cooking or cooks for longer than 30 minutes, it’s semi-pearled.
  • Whole-grain farro: Whole-grain farro is hulled using a less abrasive process which leaves both the bran and germ intact. Whole-grain farro generally requires overnight soaking and about an hour of cooking time.

We recommend using a pearled variety because it’s easy to prepare and quick cooking. Here are a few brands that we can personally recommend:

  • Nature’s Earthly Choice Pearled Italian Farro
  • Alessi Organic Farro
  • DeLallo Organic Italian Farro

Disclosure: This post contains links to products we use and can recommend with confidence. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.

How to Store Farro

Once opened, store semi-pearled and pearled farro in the freezer for up to six months. Whole-grain farro is a little more durable and can be kept tightly sealed in the pantry for a year or more.

More Farro Recipes

  • Caprese Chicken Farro Bowl
  • Farro with Sausage, Mushrooms, and Shallots
How To Cook Farro

How to Cook Farro

5 from 1 vote
  |  Leave a Review
Here's the basic recipe for how to cook farro, a long-time staple of Italian cuisine, and a tasty alternative to pasta and rice.
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time : 30 mins
Total Time : 35 mins
Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup pearled farro
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Water

Instructions 

  • Measure the farro into a colander and rinse in cool water.
  • Transfer to a medium saucepan, add the broth plus enough water to cover the top of the farro by about one inch.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil for one minute.
  • Stir, then reduce the heat to a moderate simmer.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally until the farro is al dente, 20 to 30 minutes total.
  • Start testing for doneness after about 15 minutes and once the farro is cooked to your liking, drain any liquid that hasn’t been absorbed and fluff with a fork.
  • If serving hot, toss with olive oil or add some butter and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • If making a farro salad, rinse with cool water and set aside until ready to use.

Recipe Notes

Cooked farro should be covered and refrigerated and will keep for three to five days depending on the other ingredients included in your recipe.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
How to Cook Farro
Amount per Serving
Calories
177
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
1
g
2
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Sodium
 
23
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
 
36
g
12
%
Fiber
 
6
g
25
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Protein
 
8
g
16
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Have you tried this recipe?Did you add your own special touch? We’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment and a rating to share your thoughts with others.

Author: Lynne Webb | 

Course: Pasta
 | 
Cuisine: Italian

Satisfying Main Dish Salads PREVIOUS
Satisfying Main Dish Salad
Lobster tail, filet mignon, and green beans arranged on a plate.
Surf and Turf Dinner NEXT

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this Recipe:




Hi there! We’re Lynne & Erika, seasoned home cooks and recipe creators here at My Gourmet Connection. Our aim is to bring variety and new flavors to your everyday meals and we’ve got hundreds of recipes for you to explore. Welcome!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

to start making
tastier meals?

Sign up to receive our free ebook and learn five easy ways to level up the flavor of your everyday meals.

Everyday meals, unique flavors

Serving platter with garlic crusted boneless pork roast, partially carved and garnished with fresh herbs.

Garlic Herb Crusted Boneless Pork Roast

A bowl of Instant Pot Italian chicken soup sprinkled with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Instant Pot Italian Chicken Soup

Sliced apple cider brined turkey breast on a serving platter.

Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Pork Chops with Pears and Blue Cheese

Boneless Pork Chops with Pears

Quick & Easy Recipes

Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp Flatbread

Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp Flatbread

Caprese Pasta

Our Best Crab Cake Recipe

Braised Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Cabbage

Braised Pork Tenderloin with Cabbage and Apples

More Easy Recipes

Stay Inspired!

Sign up to get our recipes via email.

  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility

© 2023 MyGourmetConnection

Site Credits