Farro is a tasty and healthy grain that can make your meals more exciting. It has a nutty flavor and chewy texture that goes well with many foods.

You can use farro instead of rice or pasta to add variety to your plate.

Farro side dishes can turn simple meals into something special. You’ll find many easy recipes that pair farro with veggies, herbs, and other yummy ingredients.

These sides are great for weeknight dinners or fancy get-togethers. Let’s look at some farro dishes you can try at home.

1. Lemon Herb Farro Salad

Lemon Herb Farro Salad is a tasty and fresh side dish. You’ll love the nutty flavor of farro mixed with bright lemon and herbs.

To make it, cook farro until it’s chewy. Then mix in olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped herbs like parsley and mint.

Add some garlic for extra flavor.

You can serve this salad warm or cold. It goes well with grilled chicken or fish.

For more crunch, try adding nuts like almonds or walnuts.

This salad is easy to make ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days. The flavors get even better as it sits.

2. Mushroom and Thyme Farro Risotto

Mushroom and thyme farro risotto is a hearty, flavorful side dish. You’ll love the chewy texture of farro combined with earthy mushrooms.

This dish is easier to make than traditional risotto. You don’t need to stir it constantly.

Start by sautéing mushrooms, garlic, and fresh thyme in olive oil. Add farro and vegetable broth, then simmer until the farro is tender.

The result is a creamy, comforting dish. The mushrooms add rich umami flavor, while thyme provides a subtle herbal note.

Finish your farro risotto with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra depth. It’s perfect alongside roasted meats or as a vegetarian main course.

3. Caprese Farro Bake

This tasty dish combines the nutty flavor of farro with classic caprese ingredients. You’ll love the mix of chewy grains, juicy tomatoes, and melty mozzarella cheese.

Start by cooking farro until tender. Mix it with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.

Add a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle more mozzarella on top. Bake until the cheese melts and gets slightly golden. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

This warm, comforting side dish is perfect for casual dinners or potlucks. It’s easy to make and full of Italian-inspired flavors that everyone will enjoy.

4. Mediterranean Farro and Chickpeas

This tasty side dish brings together nutty farro and protein-rich chickpeas. It’s packed with Mediterranean flavors that will transport you to sunny shores.

To make it, cook farro until tender. In a pan, sauté onions and garlic with olive oil.

Add chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese.

Mix in the cooked farro and season with lemon juice, oregano, and salt.

For extra flavor, toss in some Kalamata olives or roasted red peppers.

This versatile dish works great as a side or a light meal. You can serve it warm or chilled.

It keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.

5. Roasted Garlic Farro

Roasted garlic farro is a tasty twist on plain farro. You start by roasting whole garlic cloves in the oven until they’re soft and caramelized.

While the garlic roasts, cook the farro in vegetable or chicken broth. When both are done, mash the roasted garlic and mix it into the cooked farro.

Add a drizzle of olive oil and some salt and pepper to taste.

For extra flavor, you can toss in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

This dish has a rich, nutty taste from the farro and a sweet, mellow garlic flavor. It’s great as a side for roasted meats or vegetables.

6. Butternut Squash Farro Pilaf

This tasty dish combines nutty farro with sweet roasted butternut squash. To make it, cook farro in a pot until tender.

While the farro cooks, cube butternut squash and toss it with olive oil and spices. Roast the squash in the oven until it’s soft and lightly browned.

Mix the cooked farro and roasted squash together.

You can add extras like kale or pine nuts for more flavor and texture.

This pilaf works great as a side dish or light meal. It’s full of nutrients and has a nice mix of chewy and creamy textures.

7. Spinach and Feta Farro Stuffing

This tasty side dish combines chewy farro with fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese. Cook the farro until tender, then mix in chopped spinach and crumbled feta.

Add some olive oil and lemon juice for extra flavor.

You can serve this warm or at room temperature. It’s a great option for potlucks or holiday meals.

Try adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and taste.

This versatile stuffing also works well as a filling for roasted vegetables or chicken breasts.

8. Balsamic Farro with Roasted Vegetables

You’ll love this tasty side dish that combines nutty farro with flavorful roasted veggies.

Start by cooking the farro until it’s tender but still slightly chewy.

While the farro cooks, roast your choice of vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and fennel. Toss them with olive oil and balsamic vinegar before roasting for extra flavor.

Once everything is ready, mix the farro and roasted vegetables in a large bowl.

Add a simple dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs like parsley. This creates a delicious blend of textures and tastes.

This versatile dish works well warm or cold. You can easily customize it with your favorite seasonal vegetables.

9. Sweet Potato and Farro Hash

Sweet potato and farro hash is a tasty side dish that combines hearty grains with colorful veggies.

To make it, dice sweet potatoes into small cubes and roast them with olive oil and spices.

Cook farro according to package directions until tender. Mix the cooked farro with the roasted sweet potatoes in a large bowl.

Add diced red onion, black beans, and corn for extra flavor and texture. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of chili powder to taste.

This hash works well as a warm side dish or can be served cold as a salad. It’s filling, nutritious, and easy to customize with your favorite add-ins.

10. Creamy Farro and Parmesan

Creamy farro and Parmesan is a tasty side dish that’s easy to make. You’ll love its rich, cheesy flavor and hearty texture.

To make it, cook farro in broth until tender. Then stir in butter, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of cream. The result is a creamy, comforting dish.

You can add extras like sautéed onions, garlic, or fresh herbs for more flavor.

Try mixing in some cooked spinach or kale for a veggie boost.

This versatile side goes well with many main dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or as a base for a grain bowl.

11. Herbed Farro with Pomegranate Seeds

This dish combines nutty farro with fresh herbs and juicy pomegranate seeds.

Cook the farro until tender, then let it cool slightly.

Mix in chopped parsley, mint, and oregano for a burst of flavor. Add green onions for a mild bite.

Sprinkle in pomegranate seeds. They add a sweet-tart taste and beautiful color.

For crunch, toss in some toasted pistachios.

Dress the salad with a simple lemon and olive oil vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This vibrant side dish works well for everyday meals or special occasions.

Nutritional Benefits of Farro

Farro is packed with nutrients that can boost your health. This ancient grain offers fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals to support your wellbeing.

Rich in Fiber

Farro has lots of fiber to keep your digestive system happy. One cup of cooked farro gives you about 20% of your daily fiber needs.

Fiber helps you feel full longer. This can aid in weight control and prevent overeating. It also keeps your gut healthy by feeding good bacteria.

Eating high-fiber foods like farro may lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes. The fiber can help control blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

High in Protein

Farro is a great plant-based protein source. A cup of cooked farro has about 8 grams of protein.

Protein is key for building and repairing tissues in your body. It helps make enzymes, hormones, and other important molecules.

Adding farro to your meals can help you meet your protein needs. This is especially useful if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Farro’s protein content also makes it filling. You’ll stay satisfied longer after eating it compared to lower-protein grains.

Vitamins and Minerals

Farro provides many essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a good source of:

• B vitamins (niacin, thiamin)
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Zinc

These nutrients support your energy levels, immune system, and overall health. Iron helps carry oxygen in your blood. Magnesium is important for bone health and muscle function.

Farro also contains antioxidants. These can protect your cells from damage and may help lower disease risk.

By eating farro, you get a wide range of nutrients in one food. This makes it a smart choice for boosting your diet’s nutritional value.

Cooking Techniques for Farro

Farro is a versatile grain that can be cooked using different methods. Each technique affects the texture and flavor of the final dish.

Let’s explore three popular ways to prepare farro.

Boiling Method

Boiling is the most common way to cook farro. Start by rinsing 1 cup of farro under cold water.

Add it to a pot with 3 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes.

Stir occasionally and check for doneness. The farro should be tender but still chewy.

Drain any excess liquid when done. For extra flavor, add salt, herbs, or spices to the cooking water.

You can also toast the dry farro in a pan before boiling to enhance its nutty taste.

This method works well for salads and side dishes where you want separate, fluffy grains.

Steaming Method

Steaming farro creates a lighter texture. Rinse 1 cup of farro and place it in a steamer basket.

Fill a pot with 1 inch of water, making sure it doesn’t touch the basket. Bring water to a boil, then add the steamer basket.

Cover and steam for about 30-35 minutes. Check water levels and add more if needed.

The farro is done when it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Steamed farro is great for dishes where you want the grains to remain separate and light. It’s perfect for cold salads or as a base for buddha bowls.

Using a Pressure Cooker

A pressure cooker speeds up farro cooking time. Rinse 1 cup of farro and add it to the cooker with 1.5 cups of water or broth.

Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release the rest.

Open the lid and fluff the farro. If it’s too wet, drain excess liquid. For firmer grains, reduce cooking time to 10 minutes. Increase to 15 minutes for softer farro.

This method is great when you’re short on time. The farro comes out evenly cooked and works well in soups, stews, or as a quick side dish.