Traditional Italian Farro (Basic Preparation)

• •1.5 cup medium or pearled farro
• •2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• •0.5 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• •2 garlic cloves, minced
• •4 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
• • to taste salt
• • to taste freshly ground black pepper
• • to taste Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, freshly grated (optional, for serving)
• •2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse the farro thoroughly under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Drain well.

2. 2

   In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.

3. 3

   Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

4. 4

   Stir in the rinsed and drained farro. Toast the farro for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to lightly brown it and enhance its nutty flavor.

5. 5

   Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the farro is tender yet still has a slight chew (al dente) and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of farro (pearled farro cooks faster than whole farro).

6. 6

   Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the farro to absorb any remaining liquid and steam.

7. 7

   Fluff the farro with a fork. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

8. 8

   Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Chef's Tips

• 💡For best results, use pearled or semi-pearled farro, which cooks faster and doesn't require pre-soaking. If using whole farro, soak it in cold water for at least 4 hours or overnight, then drain before cooking. Cooking time will also be longer for whole farro.
• 💡Adjust the amount of broth as needed. If the farro absorbs all the liquid but is not yet tender, add another splash of hot broth or water and continue to simmer.
• 💡This basic farro is incredibly versatile. You can enhance it with roasted vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, a dollop of pesto, or even a fried egg for a more complete meal.
• 💡Farro leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It's excellent cold in salads or reheated gently with a splash of broth.