How to Cook Farro the easy way! This foolproof method involves simple mixing and letting your oven handle all the hard work. Farro’s delightful nutty flavor and satisfying chewy texture make it an incredibly versatile and delicious addition to almost any meal.
Quick Tip: Embrace This Ancient Grain
Farro is an ancient grain celebrated for its rich nutty flavor and distinctively chewy texture. It’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to a healthy diet. Learning to cook it perfectly opens up a world of culinary possibilities!
How To Cook Farro: The Revolutionary Baked Method!
Forget standing over the stove, constantly stirring and checking. Baking farro is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite and most recommended way to prepare this fantastic grain! It’s incredibly simple: just combine a few ingredients, place it in the oven, and let the magic happen. You’ll be rewarded with perfectly cooked, fluffy, and delightfully chewy grains every single time, without the fuss.
My journey to this method started after experiencing the sheer ease and consistent results of baking white rice and brown rice. I thought, “Why not apply this same stress-free approach to farro?” After some dedicated experimentation and fine-tuning, I perfected the technique. Now, it’s the only way I cook farro, and I’m thrilled to share it with you!
Why This Baked Farro Method Is Superior
This baked farro recipe stands out for numerous reasons, making it the ultimate choice for both novice and experienced cooks:
- Effortlessly Simple: Say goodbye to constant monitoring. No need to stand by the stovetop, just prep and bake.
- Consistently Perfect Results: The even heat distribution of the oven cooks the farro perfectly from all sides, ensuring every grain is tender yet wonderfully chewy.
- Truly Hands-Off: Once it’s in the oven, you’re free to focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax.
- Ideal for Larger Batches: Easily scale up the recipe to make a big batch for family dinners or gatherings without any additional hassle.
- Fantastic for Meal Prep: Cook a large quantity at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have a versatile, healthy grain ready to add to meals throughout the week.
- Prevents Sticking and Burning: Baking in a covered dish reduces the risk of farro sticking to the bottom or becoming scorched.
Embrace this hands-off cooking method and elevate your grain game with perfectly baked farro!
Essential Baked Farro Ingredients
Achieving perfectly baked farro requires just a few simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the final texture and flavor:
| Ingredient | Notes for Success |
|---|---|
| Pearled Farro | This recipe specifically calls for pearled farro, where the tough outer bran layer has been removed. This processing allows it to cook more quickly and absorb liquid more efficiently, resulting in a tender yet chewy grain. Avoid using whole farro, as it requires longer cooking times and absorbs significantly more liquid, leading to different results. I highly recommend this brand or this brand for consistent quality. |
| Olive Oil | A touch of olive oil adds a subtle depth of flavor to the farro while also helping to prevent the grains from sticking together during the baking process. You can substitute with another preferred cooking oil like avocado oil or even a knob of butter for a richer taste. Don’t skip this ingredient! |
| Boiling Water | Starting with boiling water significantly reduces the overall cooking time in the oven and helps ensure even absorption. It’s crucial to measure accurately. To account for some evaporation during the boiling process, I recommend starting with at least 5 cups of water in your kettle or pot to ensure you have a full 4 cups of boiling water ready for the farro. For an enhanced flavor profile, consider using vegetable or chicken broth instead of water. |
| Salt | Salt is vital for enhancing the natural nutty flavor of farro. A teaspoon creates a perfectly seasoned base, but you can adjust to your taste preferences. |
Understanding Farro Types
Farro comes in three main varieties: whole, semi-pearled, and pearled. While all are delicious, their cooking times and liquid absorption rates differ significantly:
- Whole Farro: The most intact form, retaining all three layers of the grain (bran, endosperm, germ). It’s the most nutritious but requires soaking overnight and a longer cooking time (up to an hour on the stove).
- Semi-Pearled Farro: Some of the bran is removed, reducing cooking time slightly but still retaining much of its fibrous goodness.
- Pearled Farro: The bran is fully removed, making it the quickest-cooking option without pre-soaking. This is the type used in this recipe for its convenience and consistent results. Its texture is tender with a pleasing chew.
By using pearled farro and our baked method, you get all the flavor and texture without the extensive preparation typically associated with whole grains.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Cook Farro Perfectly
Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly cooked farro using the effortless baked method:
- Preparation & Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Simultaneously, bring at least 5 cups of water to a rolling boil in a kettle or large pot. This ensures you have enough boiling water after evaporation to meet the recipe’s requirements.
- Rinse the Farro Thoroughly: Place the pearled farro in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it well under cold running water. This step helps remove any excess starch and dirt, which can contribute to mushiness or an undesirable texture. Shake the sieve vigorously to drain as much excess water as possible.
- Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish: Transfer the rinsed farro to the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Drizzle in the olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Pour the 4 cups of freshly boiled water over the farro mixture. Stir everything gently to ensure the ingredients are well combined and the farro is spread evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Cover and Bake: This step is crucial for trapping steam and ensuring even cooking. Cover the baking dish tightly with two layers of aluminum foil. This creates a steamy environment that cooks the farro thoroughly and prevents it from drying out. Place the covered dish in the center of your preheated oven and bake for exactly 60 minutes. Resist the urge to peek during this time, as opening the oven can release essential steam.
- Rest and Fluff: Once the baking time is complete, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Keep it covered with the foil and let the farro rest undisturbed for 10–15 minutes. This resting period is vital, allowing the farro to absorb any remaining moisture and steam, resulting in a fluffy and perfectly chewy texture. After resting, remove the foil and gently fluff the farro with a fork before serving.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips for Cooked Farro
Cooked farro is excellent for meal prepping and can be easily stored and reheated:
- Refrigerator Storage: Allow the cooked farro to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, simply place the desired amount of farro in a saucepan or microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water (about a tablespoon per cup of farro) to reintroduce moisture and prevent it from drying out. Warm gently on the stove over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: For longer preservation, farro freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, spread the cooked farro in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until individual grains are slightly firm (this prevents clumping). Then, transfer the semi-frozen farro to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. It will keep well for up to 6 months. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen with a little added liquid.
Creative Ways To Use Cooked Farro: Versatility Unleashed
Once you’ve mastered how to cook farro, a world of culinary possibilities opens up! Its nutty flavor and satisfying chew make it a perfect canvas for a variety of dishes. Here are some inspiring ideas:
Delicious Recipes & Meal Ideas
Salads
Sweet Potato Farro Salad
Combine cooked farro with roasted sweet potatoes, spinach, dried cranberries, and a tangy vinaigrette for a hearty and nutritious salad.
Dinner
Harvest Bowl
Create a satisfying Harvest Bowl by layering farro with seasonal roasted vegetables, a lean protein (like chicken or chickpeas), and a creamy dressing.
Dinner
Black Bean Burger
Farro adds fantastic texture and binding power to homemade veggie burgers. Incorporate it into your favorite black bean burger recipe for a heartier bite.
Dinner
Italian Stuffed Peppers
Enhance classic stuffed peppers by mixing cooked farro with ground meat or vegetables, herbs, and marinara sauce for a flavorful and nutritious filling.
Print Recipe
How To Cook Farro
Chelsea Lords
Here’s my all-time favorite 9×13-inch baking dish. It’s featured in these photos.
10 minutes
1 hour
10-15 minutes
1 hour 20 minutes
12 servings (6 cups)
Equipment
- 9 x 13-inch baking pan
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 2 cups pearled farro (see note 1)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (see note 2)
- 4 cups boiling water (see note 3)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Bring at least 5 cups of water to a boil in a kettle or large pot.
- Thoroughly rinse the farro under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. Shake to remove excess water.
- Add rinsed farro, olive oil, and salt to the greased baking dish. Pour in 4 cups of boiling water and stir to combine. Spread the mixture evenly.
- Cover the dish tightly with two layers of foil. Bake in the center of the oven for 60 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest, still covered, for 10–15 minutes. Fluff the farro with a fork before serving.
Recipe Notes
Note 2: Swap olive oil with any preferred oil or butter for flavor and to prevent sticking. Don’t leave it out!
Note 3: Boil extra water to ensure 4 cups remain after evaporation. Accurate water measurement is crucial for perfect farro.
Resting Time: Resting lets farro absorb extra moisture, creating a fluffy texture. Avoid skipping this step to prevent mushiness.
Storage: Store cooked farro in the fridge in an airtight container for 3–5 days. Reheat with a little liquid on the stove or in the microwave.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Farro (FAQs)
With this easy baked method, farro takes 60 minutes to cook in the oven, followed by a crucial 10-15 minute resting period. The total active prep time is minimal, making it a great hands-off option.
Absolutely! Cooked farro is excellent for meal preparation. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. When ready to use, reheat it with a little added liquid (water or broth) on the stovetop or in the microwave to restore its ideal texture.
Farro is perfectly cooked when it’s tender but still retains a pleasant chewiness. After the resting period, taste a small bite to confirm the texture is to your liking. It should not be hard or crunchy, nor overly mushy.
No, farro is a wheat product and contains gluten. It is not suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. If you need a gluten-free alternative, consider grains like quinoa, brown rice, or buckwheat.
For pearled farro, which is recommended for this recipe, pre-soaking is generally not necessary due to the removal of the outer bran layer. This is one of the advantages of using pearled farro for quick and easy preparation. If you were using whole farro, soaking would be required to reduce cooking time significantly.
Flavorful Variations for Your Cooked Farro
Elevate Your Farro: Creative Flavor Boosts
While delicious on its own, cooked farro is an incredible base for adding a variety of flavors and ingredients. Get creative and customize it to your taste!
- Pesto Perfection: For a vibrant and aromatic side, toss warm farro with fresh pesto, toasted pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors even further.
- Earthy Mushroom & Thyme: Sauté sliced mushrooms (cremini or shiitake work wonderfully) with fresh thyme and garlic. Mix these savory ingredients into your cooked farro, along with a splash of vegetable or chicken broth for extra depth.
- Exotic Curried Farro: Infuse your farro with aromatic spices. Prepare the farro using the same method, but consider adding curry powder, turmeric, ginger, and garlic to the cooking water, similar to the spices used in this Curry Rice recipe.
- Sweet & Savory Cranberry & Pecan: For a festive and comforting side dish, fold dried cranberries and chopped pecans into your warm farro. Dress it with a light vinaigrette, perhaps inspired by the dressing from a Wild Rice Pilaf, and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Custom Creations: The possibilities are endless! Experiment by adding your favorite nuts (walnuts, almonds), seeds (pumpkin, sunflower), dried fruits (apricots, raisins), or finely diced cooked vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, zucchini). Explore more ideas here for inspiration on how to make farro truly your own.