Farro is like the cool cousin of grains, showing up at the party with its nutty flavor and chewy texture, making everyone want to be friends. Imagine a warm bowl of farro salad, bright with colorful veggies and drizzled with a zesty dressing that makes your taste buds dance. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that calls for gatherings, picnics, or a cozy dinner at home.
Growing up, my family had a tradition of cooking together on Sunday afternoons, and farro often made an appearance. I remember the delicious aroma wafting through the house as we prepared one of our favorite dishes. Nothing beats gathering around the table, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying a wholesome meal packed with flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The creamy texture of farro elevates any dish to gourmet status while remaining easy to prepare
- Customize this recipe based on seasonal vegetables for freshness
- Its earthy tones make it visually appealing and perfect for impressing guests
- Enjoy it warm or cold, making it ideal for summer barbecues or winter comfort food
I made this farro dish for friends once, and they couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Farro: Choose whole grain farro for its nutty flavor; pearled farro cooks faster but has less fiber.
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Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt level while adding depth to the grain.
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Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes add vibrant color and fresh flavor when roasted.
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Cucumber: Use crisp cucumbers to create a refreshing contrast against the hearty farro.
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Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a rich creaminess that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
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Fresh Herbs (Basil or Parsley): Fresh herbs brighten up the dish with their aromatic qualities and pop of color.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings everything together with its zesty brightness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Farro: Start by rinsing 1 cup of farro under cold water until it runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed farro with 3 cups vegetable broth and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Simmer Away: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes until tender yet slightly chewy. You’ll know it’s done when most of the liquid is absorbed.
Prepare Your Veggies: While your farro cooks, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve 1 pint of cherry tomatoes and toss them onto a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt before roasting for 15-20 minutes until they are blistered.
Mix It All Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked farro with roasted tomatoes, diced cucumber (about one), crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup), and chopped fresh herbs (1/4 cup).
Add Zestiness: Squeeze half a lemon over your mixture for zing! Toss gently to combine everything evenly without crushing those beautiful tomatoes.
Final Touches!: Taste your salad; adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper. Serve warm or chilled—both ways are delightful!
Now grab your fork and dive into this scrumptious bowl of farro goodness!
You Must Know
- Farro is a nutty, chewy grain that adds incredible texture and flavor to any dish
- It’s packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for meals
- Its versatility allows you to use it in salads, soups, or as a side dish, making meal prep fun and colorful
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To cook farro perfectly, rinse it thoroughly and boil it in salted water for about 30 minutes until tender but still slightly chewy. Drain excess water before serving.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your farro dish by adding roasted vegetables, herbs, or proteins like chicken or chickpeas for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover farro in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When cooking farro, always check for doneness after 25 minutes to avoid overcooking
- Using broth instead of water enhances its flavor immensely
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens the dish beautifully
I remember the first time I introduced farro to my family; they were skeptical at first but then devoured every last bite! It turned into our new favorite weeknight meal.
FAQ
What is farro?
Farro is an ancient whole grain known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture.
How do I know when farro is done cooking?
Farro should be tender yet slightly firm when cooked properly; taste test for doneness.
Can I use farro in salads?
Absolutely! Farro adds great texture and nutrition to salads, making them more filling and delicious.
Farro Salad with Roasted Tomatoes and Feta
Indulge in a wholesome farro salad bursting with flavor and texture. This dish features nutty farro, sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together with a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or cozy dinners, this recipe is not only delicious but also highly customizable to suit your taste. Gather your loved ones and enjoy a vibrant meal that nourishes both body and soul.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole grain farro
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse farro under cold water until clear. Combine with vegetable broth in a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until tender yet chewy; drain excess liquid.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve cherry tomatoes, toss with olive oil and salt on a baking sheet, and roast for 15-20 minutes until blistered.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked farro, roasted tomatoes, diced cucumber, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture; toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm or chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
