If you’re like most people, you’ve heard of most types of grains. Be it white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or couscous, you’re probably well-versed in the basic grains. But you may not be as familiar with the grandfather of all grains: farro.
Farro is one of the oldest grains known to man; it used to be a common diet staple in ancient Rome and was eaten heavily in the Mediterranean. These days, it’s grown mostly in Tuscany and is a common staple in Italian cuisine. From soups to cold salads, farro is a great option if you want to switch things up and try a new type of grain for a bit. It’s also a good source of fiber and protein. To help you get started, here’s a quick guide on how to prep and how to cook farro.
How to Prep Farro
Before cooking farro, many people swear by soaking it in cold water overnight. Generally, soaking for 12 hours is a good rule of thumb. Make sure to soak them in a pot with a lid, and leave it in the refrigerator while soaking. After you’ve soaked your farro, wash the grains in a mesh strainer to remove any remaining dirt. Now you’re ready to cook!
How to Cook Farro on the Stove
Cooking farro on the stovetop is pretty simple and requires only a handful of ingredients: 1 cup of farro, 2 3/4 cup of water,1 Tbsp butter, 1/4 tsp of salt. Add farro, water, and salt to a large saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes. Drain any excess water after cooking. Then, fluff farro with a fork and mix in butter to taste.
How to Cook Farro in a Slow Cooker
Possibly the easiest method of cooking farro is to cook it in a slow cooker. In fact, few things are easier than cooking in a slow cooker. To start, combine 1 cup of farro, 3 1/2 cups of water, and 1 Tbsp of butter in a slow cooker. Cook on high temperature for 3-4 hours, or until farro is soft and chewy. Drain any water that’s left in the slow cooker, and fluff before serving.
How to Cook Farro in the Oven
Cooking farro in the oven brings out the nutty flavor of the grain. Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, bring 2 3/4 cups of water to a boil. Add farro into a large pot, and once water is boiling, add to the pot with farro. Add 1/4 tsp of salt and 1 Tbsp of butter and mix well. Cover with a tight lid and put in the oven. Cook for 40 minutes or until farro is soft.
Have you ever tried farro? Do you have a favorite dish that includes farro? Share it with us in the comments!
