Learn this hands-free method for cooking farro in the oven.
Farro is a versatile grain with a delicious flavor and texture. It’s also easy to cook. Here I’m explaining how to bake it in the oven with water to get a nice pilaf, or for use in soups or salads.
Video: How To Cook Farro Using Three Different Methods
What Is Farro?
Farro is an ancient grain. In fact, it’s thought to be the grain from which all others derive. Farro is considered a healthy grain in that it is high in protein, fiber, and B Complex vitamins. It’s also fairly low in gluten.
When cooked, farro looks a bit like barley but it has a chewier texture. That chewy texture remains even after long-cooking so it’s great in soups and stews where it doesn’t get inflated and soggy the way rice or barley can.
Do You Need To Soak Farro Before Cooking It In The Oven?
No, it is not necessary to soak farro before cooking it in the oven. However, soaking it will speed up the cooking process when using some cooking methods, like the stove. Baking farro is a more gentle cooking method though, and it doesn’t impact the timing as much.
Do You Need To Rinse Farro Before Baking It?
No, you don’t need to rinse farro before baking it. You do need to rinse it before cooking it in the Instant Pot though, so keep that in mind if you’re going to use that method.
Nothing bad will happen if you do rinse the farro though. Some people routinely rinse all grains and legumes before cooking just in case there’s any residue on them. I always rinse quinoa before cooking it (and the reason for rinsing it and how much to rinse it is explained here as well), and I typically rinse rice, especially if cooking the rice in the Instant Pot.’, and I typically rinse rice as well, especially if cooking the rice in the Instant Pot to help separate the grains.
How To Bake Farro
To cook the farro in the oven, you’ll be mixing it with boiling water and salt in a baking dish that has a lid, or cover it tightly with foil. Then it goes into a 350F oven until it’s soft but still chewy, about 35-40 minutes. Drain off any excess water, mix it with some butter, and serve.
Other Ways To Cook Farro
Just like rice and quinoa, farro can be cooked in a variety of ways. These are some of the best ways to cook farro:
Recipes Using Farro
These are my three favorite recipes that use farro.
PrintRecipe: How to Cook Farro in the Oven
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
DESCRIPTION
Learn this hands-free method for cooking farro in the oven.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 and 1/2 cups farro
- 1 Tbsp. butter or olive oil (optional)
- 1/4 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. Fill a kettle with at least 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
- Measure the farro into a medium-sized pot that has a tight-fitting lid. Add the salt and the butter or olive oil (if using).
- Measure 4 cups of the boiling water from the kettle and pour it into the pot. Stir and then immediately cover pot and put it into the oven.
- Cook for 35-40 minutes, until softened but still chewy. Drain away any excess water.