Farro is that delightful grain that dances on your tongue, bringing both a nutty flavor and a chewy texture to your meals. Imagine a warm bowl of farro, perfectly cooked to fluffy perfection, mingling with vibrant vegetables and a drizzle of zesty dressing. It’s the kind of dish that makes you question why you ever settled for plain old rice.
I remember the first time I introduced farro to my family. Picture this: a dinner table filled with skeptics and one adventurous cook (that’s me). The moment they took their first bite, I knew I had created a culinary masterpiece that would forever change our dinner game. Farro became the star of our weeknight meals, perfect for cozy family dinners or as a showstopper at gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This farro recipe is incredibly easy to make, ensuring meal prep won’t feel like climbing Everest
- The flavor profile combines earthy goodness with zesty brightness, creating an explosion of taste in each bite
- Visually, it’s a feast for the eyes with its colorful medley of ingredients
- Plus, it’s versatile; feel free to swap in seasonal veggies or proteins as you please
The first time I served this farro dish, my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was. They even asked for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Farro: Look for pearled farro; it’s quicker to cook and has a delightful chewy texture.
Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness while adding depth of flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they burst with flavor when roasted; choose vibrant ones for the best taste.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients; opt for organic if possible for maximum health benefits.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens all flavors; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it in my book.
Olive Oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances richness; trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds umami goodness; use fresh cheese if you want to elevate your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Farro: Start by rinsing 1 cup of farro under cold water until it runs clear. In a medium pot, combine the farro with 3 cups of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered until tender, about 25-30 minutes.
Prep the Veggies: While the farro cooks, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice cherry tomatoes in half and spread them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper before roasting them for about 20 minutes until they’re beautifully caramelized.
Sauté Spinach: In a large skillet over medium heat, add another splash of olive oil and toss in roughly 4 cups of fresh spinach. Sauté until wilted but still vibrant green—this should take about 3-4 minutes. The aroma will be heavenly!
Combine Everything: Once the farro is cooked and fluffy, drain any excess liquid if needed. In your skillet with spinach, add the cooked farro along with the roasted tomatoes. Toss everything together until well mixed.
Add Final Touches: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—this is where personal preference shines! You may even want to sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving.
Enjoy serving this hearty farro dish warm or at room temperature! It’s perfect as a side or as a main course topped with grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein.
Now you’ve got yourself an irresistible farro dish that not only satisfies hunger but also brings smiles around the table! Grab those forks; dinner is served!
You Must Know
- Farro is not just a trendy grain; it’s nutty, chewy, and perfect for salads or sides
- This ancient grain holds up beautifully, absorbing flavors while adding a delightful texture
- It’s your new best friend in the kitchen, versatile and oh-so-satisfying
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Cook farro by simmering it in salted water for about 30 minutes until tender yet firm. Drain any excess water and fluff it with a fork for perfect texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your farro dish by adding roasted vegetables, herbs, or even nuts. A splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar can brighten the flavors beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cooked farro in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When cooking farro, be sure to rinse it under cold water first
- This step removes any debris and enhances its nutty flavor
- For added richness, consider using broth instead of water during cooking
- You can also toast the grains lightly before boiling to deepen their flavor profile
Sometimes I find myself reminiscing about that dinner party where farro stole the show—friends were raving about it more than the main dish! Who knew this ancient grain could create such buzz?
FAQ
What is farro?
Farro is an ancient whole grain known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture.
How do I cook farro perfectly?
Simmer farro in salted water for 30 minutes until it’s tender but still slightly chewy.
Can I use farro in salads?
Absolutely! Farro adds great texture and nutrition to salads, making them heartier and satisfying.
Farro with Spinach and Roasted Tomatoes
Farro is a nutritious ancient grain that brings a delightful nutty flavor and chewy texture to your meals. This simple farro recipe combines earthy goodness with vibrant vegetables, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With fresh spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing, this dish transforms any meal into a culinary masterpiece. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s versatile enough to customize with seasonal ingredients or proteins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling/Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearled farro
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Rinse farro under cold water. In a medium pot, combine farro and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread halved cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for about 20 minutes until caramelized.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté spinach until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine cooked farro with sautéed spinach and roasted tomatoes in the skillet. Stir in lemon juice and grated Parmesan. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a side or main dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
