Learn the BEST method for How To Cook Farro! Simply mix, bake, and forget. Its nutty flavor makes farro a delicious grain to add to a variety of dishes.
Farro is a nutrient-dense ancient grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture. It’s richer in protein, fiber, and minerals than modern wheat.
How To Cook Farro: Bake It Instead!
Baking farro is the simplest, BEST way to make it! Baking farro is easy: just mix it with a few ingredients and pop it in the oven. You’ll get perfectly chewy grains every time.
Here’s why we love this recipe:
- Easier: The oven is a much easier alternative to stovetop cooking.
- Even Cooking: Consistent oven heat ensures uniform cooking.
- Less Hands-On: Requires minimal attention.
- Great for a Crowd: Perfect for preparing large quantities at once.
- Great for Meal Prep: Makes farro a convenient addition to dishes throughout the week.
Baked Farro Ingredients
- Grab pearled farro for this recipe (whole farro won’t work for this recipe because of its higher liquid absorption). We love this brand and this brand.
- Olive Oil: Adds flavor and prevents sticking.
- Boiling Water: Boil more than needed to ensure you have 4 cups after evaporation.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor.
Ways To Use Cooked Farro
- Side Dish: Serve cooked farro like quinoa, white rice, or brown rice
- Salads: Add to salads for a nutty texture; try Sweet Potato Farro Salad.
- Grain Bowls: Use as a base for bowls like Harvest or Buddha Bowl.
- Soups/Stews: Boost soups like Minestrone or Vegetable by adding farro.
- Burger Patty: Use in place of brown rice in Black Bean Burger.
- Meat Dishes: Add to meatballs, meatloaf, or add into Stuffed Peppers.
How To Add Flavor To Farro
- Mediterranean: Replace rice with farro in this Brown Rice Salad.
- Pesto: Toss farro with pesto, pine nuts, and Parmesan.
- Mushroom & Thyme: Mix farro with sautéed mushrooms, thyme, and chicken broth.
- Curried: Prepare the farro with the spices in this Curry Rice.
- Cranberry & Pecan: Add cranberries, pecans, and parsley to farro; dress with Wild Rice Pilaf dressing.
- Customize: Add nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or veggies. More ideas here.
How To Cook Farro
- Rinse Farro: Rinse well to remove starch and dirt.
- Baking Dish: Use a 9×13-inch dish for even cooking.
- Cover in Foil: Double layer to trap steam for even cooking.
- Resting Time: Let farro rest 10-15 minutes after baking, then fluff with a fork.
Storage
Storing, Reheating, and Freezing
- Store: In an airtight container or bag in the fridge for 4-5 days.
- Reheat: Add a splash of water and warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, or cover and microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Reheat (Stovetop): In a saucepan with a bit of water or broth, stir over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
- Reheat (Microwave): With a splash of water or broth, cover and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Freeze: Spread cooled farro on a baking sheet, freeze for 1 hour, then store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
How To Cook Farro FAQs
How much water do I need to use when cooking farro?
This recipe for oven-cooked farro calls for 4 cups of boiling water.
How long does it take to cook farro?
This recipe takes 60 minutes of baking time in the oven.
Can I cook farro in advance and reheat it later?
Cook farro ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave with some liquid to restore its texture.
How do I know when the farro is done?
Farro is ready when it is tender yet chewy; test by tasting a small forkful.
More Hearty Grain Recipes:
How To Cook Farro
Learn the best method for How To Cook Farro! Simply mix, bake, and forget. Its nutty, earthy flavor and fluffy texture make farro a versatile and delicious grain to add to a variety of dishes.Here’s my all-time favorite 9×13-inch baking dish. It's featured in these photos.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Cooking Spray
Ingredients
- 2 cups pearled farro (Note 1)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (Note 2)
- 4 cups boiling water (Note 3)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- PREP: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Bring more than 5 cups of water to a boil in a large kettle or pot.
- RINSE FARRO: Rinse the farro well under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. Shake off the excess water.
- COMBINE: In the prepared baking dish, combine the rinsed farro, oil, & salt. Pour 4 cups of boiling water over the farro and stir to mix. Spread out evenly.
- COVER AND BAKE: Cover the dish tightly with two layers of foil. Bake in the center of the oven for 60 minutes.
- REST: After baking, let the dish rest, still covered, for 10-15 minutes. Then, fluff the farro with a fork and serve.
Video
Recipe Notes
Note 1: Get pearled farro, which cooks faster since the bran is removed, unlike whole farro. We love this brand and this brand.
Note 2:: Adds flavor and prevents sticking; substitute with your preferred oil or butter.
Note 3: Boil extra water to ensure you have 4 cups after evaporation. This precise amount is crucial for the recipe.
Resting Time: Allowing the farro to rest after baking ensures it absorbs any leftover moisture, enhancing its fluffiness. Avoid cutting this time short to prevent mushiness.
Nutrition
Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 197mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 0.3g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
