This Instant Pot farro is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty whole grain. It makes a great side dish or a perfect addition to a grain bowl or salad.
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Why this recipe works
Farro is typically cooked in boiling water until tender. Depending on the variety this can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes and requires occasional stirring. Using the Instant Pot makes this an easy, no-fuss dish that is done in around 15 minutes and is packed with nutrition.
What farro to use
Farro comes from the grains of 3 specific varieties of wheat. It is sold whole, with the bran intact, semi-pearled where a portion of the bran is removed, and pearled where the whole bran is removed. The whole variety is the most nutritious, but takes the longest to cook. Traditional cooking methods often call for an overnight soak for whole farro, similar to dried beans.
Semi-pearled and pearled varieties cook quicker and is what I recommend in this recipe.
How to cook farro in an Instant Pot
- Add the farro, water, and a half teaspoon of salt to your Instant Pot. Lock the lid and set to manual high pressure for 8 minutes.
- After pressure cooking allow a natural release for 8 minutes, then carefully vent any remaining pressure.
- Drain any water that remains in the pot, then fluff with a fork before serving.
How to serve farro
Farro has a nutty flavor and chewy texture and is great as a simple side dish but it can be used in a variety of ways.
- Main dish - These hearty grains can also be featured in a main dish. Mushrooms go wonderfully with farro and is a classic pairing. Try sautéing ½ cup of diced onion, 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms, and 2 cloves of minced garlic in 2 tablespoons of butter until browned, around 7-8 minutes. Combine the mushrooms with cooked farro and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Top with grated parmesan cheese and serve.
- Salads - Farro makes a great addition to add some hearty nutrition to salads such as my roasted butternut squash and kale salad.
- Grain bowls and Buddah Bowls - Brown rice and quinoa are staples of grain bowls, but for a little more flavor and texture try adding farro. For a simple version add farro to a bowl along with your favorite diced veggies and protein, if desired. Toss with a sauce like a vinaigrette and serve.
- Soups and Stews - Farro is also an excellent addition to soups and stews. The chewy texture holds up well and is often used in Italian soups such as Tuscan Farro Soup.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store your farro in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
For large portions heat the farro in a pot over medium-low heat with a splash of water until warmed through. For smaller portions, heat in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until warmed.
More quick and easy side dishes
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Garlic Butter Green Beans
- Crispy Herb Roasted Potatoes
- Instant Pot Southern Style Green Beans
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Farro
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro, pearled or semi-pearled, see notes for whole farro
- 3 cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add farro, water, and salt to your Instant Pot then seal and lock the lid. Set to manual high pressure for 8 minutes.
- After cooking allow a natural pressure release for 8 minutes then carefully vent any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and drain any remaining water then fluff the farro with a fork before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
* All nutrition information we provide are estimates based on third party calculators. We encourage you to calculate these on your own for accurate results.
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