An easy step-by-step tutorial on How To Cook Farro three different ways! A chewy texture that gives a slightly nutty flavor to all of your favorite farro recipes, like salads, bowls, stuffed peppers, & soups.
The Best & Easiest Methods For Cooking Farro
We have recently discovered all the best ways to easily make farro on the stovetop, in the crockpot and in the Instant Pot. No matter how you cook this healthy whole grain, it is going to become your new favorite ingredient to add to a variety of different recipes! You can keep it simple and serve it as a side dish with a little seasoning or you can add it to almost any of your favorite soups, grain bowls, stuffed peppers, or salad recipes. Follow along as we show you just how easy it is!
Looking for another fun grain option? Try making some orzo! Perfect for using in our Greek Orzo Salad!
What You Will Need
- farro – a simple whole grain that has a slightly toasty and nutty flavor.
- water or broth – we used water in this tutorial but you could also use chicken broth to give it even more flavor!
- kosher salt – just a little for some added seasoning!
What Is Farro
Farro is a whole grain that is made up of three different species of hulled wheat: spelt, emmer, and einkorn. It is sold as a dry grain at your local grocery store. After you purchase it, you can bring it home and cook as much as you need to a fluffy texture.
How Long Does It Take Farro To Cook
This really depends on how you want to cook your farro. If you want a shorter cook time, then we suggest letting the farro soak in water overnight. Then the next day you can cook it on the stovetop for only about 10 minutes. If you do not soak it overnight, it will take closer to 25-30 minutes to cook.
Using an Instant Pot is another way to a faster cook time. Farro will only need about 12 minutes of cook time in a pressure cooker, but you will also need to account for the time required to bring the Instant Pot to pressure. If you are in no hurry at all, you can let it cook for about 1.5-2.5 hours in your slow cooker.
How To Cook Farro (Stovetop Version)
You can begin by measuring out the amount of dried farro that you will need.
Next, gather the other ingredients needed (water or broth and kosher salt).
Now you can place your dry farro in a mesh food strainer and rinse it under cold water in your kitchen sink.
Then place the water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it begins to boil you can add the farro and return it to a boil.
After it returns to a boil with the farro in the saucepan you can reduce the stove burner to a low heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
Pro tip: if you soak your farro in a bowl of water in the refrigerator the night before cooking to reduce your simmer time to only 10 minutes!
Now you can drain your fully cooked farro in a colander in the sink and use it in your favorite recipe!
How To Cook Farro In A Slow Cooker
We always love a set-it-and-forget-it option! This is so simple and perfect for making this delicious grain on a weekend afternoon or to make your dinner prep even faster. Just add 1 cup rinsed farro, 4 cups water or both and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to your favorite slow cooker or crock pot. Place the cover on top and cook on LOW for 2-2 1/2 hours or on HIGH for 1 1/2 hours. Now you can drain the excess water and use in any of your favorite farro recipes.
How To Cook Farro In An Instant Pot (or Pressure Cooker)
This is another great way to cook your dry farro in a matter of minutes. Just remember that it does take time for your Instant Pot to get up to pressure. Simply add 1 cup rinsed farro, 3 cups water or broth and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to your pressure cooker. Secure the lid on top, select the HIGH pressure setting, and let it cook for 12 minutes. When the time is up you can quick release the pressure, drain the excess water and serve as desired.
How Should I Serve Cooked Farro
There are so many different ways that you can enjoy this nutty-flavored grain! We love adding it to a salad, like our favorite Fall Farro Salad. Or it can be substituted for rice in any of your favorite grain bowl recipes or stuffed peppers, like these Ultimate Mexican Stuffed Peppers! Get creative and share with us your favorite way to enjoy farro.
Storage Suggestions
Whether you are cooking farro ahead of time to make your meal prep even easier or you just have some leftover, you can easily store your cooked farro in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it if you want! Simply spread the cooked farro out on a baking sheet, place it in the freezer for about 2 hours, and then pour it into a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer.
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Farro
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 cups 1x
- Category: How-To
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 quarts water or broth (8 cups)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup farro, rinsed
Instructions
- Add water and salt to a medium saucepan; bring to a boil.
- Meanwhile, rinse farro.
- Add farro to water. Return to boil then reduce to a simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Drain off excess water and use in your favorite recipe (we love this one!).
Notes
- Pre-Soak Method: you can soak farro in water overnight in the refrigerator prior to cooking the next day. Drain excess water. Bring 3-4 cups water or broth to boil. Add farro and cook for approx. 10 minutes or until tender. Drain and use as desired.
- Slow Cooker Method: Add 1 cup rinsed farro, 4 cups water or both and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to your favorite slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 2-2 1/2 hours or on HIGH for 1 1/2 hours. Drain excess water and use as desired.
- Pressure Cooker: Add 1 cup rinsed farro, 3 cups water or broth and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to pressure cooker. Seal and set to HIGH pressure for 12 minutes. Quick release pressure, drain excess water and serve as desired.
- Storage: store farro in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keywords: farro
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