7 Best Farro Recipes

If you like rice, barley, and quinoa, give the hearty farro a try. The whole grain features prominently in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine and once you taste it, you'll see why. It's nutty taste and chewy texture are hard to beat. Try using it in recipes that call for barley or toss it into soups, risotto, or pilafs for a heartier texture than rice. It works great in slow or pressure cooker recipes too, since it retains its structure over long cook times.

What Are Ancient Grains?

01 of 07

Pressure Cooker Farro Risotto

Laura Randolph

Swap out the rice for farro in this simple and hearty risotto that tastes just as great as the original, but without all that stirring. Add frozen peas, sautéed mushrooms, crisp-tender asparagus, roasted carrots, butternut squash, or other veggies you like for a nutritious and delicious dish.
02 of 07

Mushroom Wellington

The Spruce / Elaine Lemm

Vegetarians will love this impressive-looking dish that packs tons of taste and nutrition into a pretty package. Leafy kale, nutty farro, sweet potato, mushrooms, and butternut squash bring a wonderful fall flavor that even avowed meat-eaters will want to get in on, no matter the time of year.
03 of 07

Farro with Spice-Roasted Chickpeas and Cauliflower

Farro Salad with Spice Roasted Chickpeas and Cauliflower. © Miri Rotkovitz

This delicious vegetarian dish comes together quickly, especially if you prep with purpose. Coat chickpeas with some cumin, garlic, and smoked paprika then roast it with cauliflower and toss it all together with nutty farro. Cover it all with a zesty lemon dressing and you've got a crave-worthy lunch or dinner.
04 of 07

Farro Risotto

Elaine Lemm

If you like risotto, try this easy and hearty recipe that tastes similar but doesn't require quite as much prep. Dried wild mushrooms give it an earthy depth of flavor and using farro instead of arborio rice has more toothsome texture than risotto traditionally does. Add any meat or protein you like, for a well rounded meal.

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05 of 07

Farro with Cumin-Roasted Carrots and Tahini

Farro with Cumin Roasted Carrots and Cumin Tahini. Credit: Anita Schecter

This Mediterranean dish has plenty of warming flavor thanks to a heavy dose of cumin and smoky roasted carrots. A tahini sauce adds extra creaminess that ties the veggies and grains together perfectly. And because farro has lots of fiber, it'll keep you full all afternoon or evening long.
06 of 07

Farro Bread

Farro Bread. Diana Rattray

Believe it or not, you can use farro to make a nutty, whole-grain bread that's great for sandwiches or all by itself with just a smear of butter. Molasses and brown sugar give it a hint of sweetness that will have you reaching for another slice.
07 of 07

Slow Cooker Chicken with Farro and Vegetables

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs With Farro. Diana Rattray

Use either boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in this slow cooker recipe that combines the protein with farro and nutrient-packed vegetables for a simple supper. Farro works well in this dish because it won't lose its texture over the long cook time.