How To Cook Farro

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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.

Pan of cooked farro being scooped with a wooden spoon.

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.

Farro in the package and then in a bowl after rinsing.

 

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

Greasing the pan; adding the farro, oil and salt; stirring in boiling water.

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.

Cover the pan with foil and bake; rest and then remove foil; fluff with a fork and serve.

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.

The finished grain in the pan ready to be enjoyed.

 

More Hearty Grain Recipes:

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How To Cook Farro

5 from 1 vote
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.
The finished grain in the pan ready to be enjoyed.
Print Recipe

How To Cook Farro

The finished grain in the pan ready to be enjoyed.
5 from 1 vote
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.
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword how to cook farro
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 12 servings (6 cups)
Chelsea Lords
Calories 128kcal
Cost $2.20

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 Facts

Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 197mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 0.3g

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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How To Cook Farro FAQs

1How much water do I need to use when cooking farro?

This recipe for oven-cooked farro calls for 4 cups of boiling water.

2How long does it take to cook farro?

This recipe takes 60 minutes of baking time in the oven.

3Can I cook farro in advance and reheat it later?

Cook farro ahead and reheat later; store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave with some liquid to restore texture.

4How do I know when the farro is done?

Farro is ready when tender yet chewy; test by tasting a small forkful from the dish.

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