Simple Savory Farro Pilaf

What is Farro? Unveiling an Ancient Grain

At the heart of this dish lies farro, an ancient grain that has gracefully navigated centuries to reclaim its esteemed place in modern kitchens. Its recent resurgence in popularity is no surprise once you experience its distinct, slightly nutty flavor and delightful chewy texture. Unlike many other grains, farro holds its shape remarkably well after cooking, making it an ideal choice for vibrant salads, hearty pilafs, and flavorful stuffings.

More than just a delicious component, farro is a powerhouse of nutrition. It stands out as an excellent source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like iron. For those conscious of their dietary choices, it’s important to note that farro is a wheat-based grain and, therefore, is not gluten-free.

Farro is available in several forms, each differing in its processing level: pearled, semi-pearled, and whole. The less processed the grain, the richer its nutritional content. While whole farro offers the most benefits, requiring longer cooking times and often an overnight soak, pearled farro is the most widely available and quickest to prepare, making it a convenient choice for busy home cooks. Even pearled farro, the most processed variety, still delivers impressive nutritional value. A mere quarter cup typically boasts around 5 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein, a truly substantial contribution to your daily intake.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Farro Pilaf Recipe

This Farro Pilaf isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary gem that offers a multitude of benefits for both your palate and your lifestyle:

• Incredibly Versatile: Whether you need a warm, comforting side for your holiday meal, a light and refreshing cold salad for a picnic, or a delicious filling for a roasted bird, this recipe adapts effortlessly.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Made with nutrient-rich farro, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats from walnuts, it’s a dish you can feel good about serving.
• Vegan-Friendly: Crafted without any animal products, it’s a fantastic option for vegan diets or for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals.
• Rich in Flavor & Texture: The combination of chewy farro, crunchy walnuts, sweet cranberries, and savory aromatics creates a harmonious blend of tastes and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This pilaf tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for make-ahead lunches or dinners.

Essential Ingredients for Your Farro Pilaf

Crafting this flavorful farro stuffing or pilaf requires a selection of fresh and pantry staples. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Farro: The cornerstone of this dish. Its unique chewy texture and nutty flavor are irreplaceable. While you could technically substitute other grains like brown rice or quinoa, doing so would transform it into a different dish entirely. For best results, use pearled farro, which cooks relatively quickly without pre-soaking. Remember to rinse it thoroughly before cooking to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
• Broth: Cooking your farro in vegetable broth infuses it with a deeper, more complex flavor compared to plain water. Opt for a low-sodium vegetable broth to control the overall saltiness of the dish. Chicken broth can be used if you’re not adhering to a vegan diet.
• Walnuts: These crunchy nuts add a rich, earthy depth and a satisfying texture. Toasting the walnuts briefly before adding them to the pilaf is a crucial step; this process releases their natural oils, intensifying their nutty flavor and enhancing their aroma. While it adds about 5 minutes to the preparation time, the improved taste is well worth the effort. For variations, consider using toasted almonds or pecans.
• Onion and Celery: These two aromatic vegetables are classic stuffing ingredients, forming the savory foundation of the pilaf. Diced finely, they become tender and translucent when sautéed, releasing their sweet and earthy notes. Feel free to incorporate other vegetables commonly found in your favorite stuffings, such as diced carrots, bell peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms, for added flavor and nutritional boost.
• Dried Cranberries: A burst of sweet and tart flavor from dried cranberries beautifully balances the savory elements of the dish. They add a vibrant color and a delightful chewiness. Other dried fruits like raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even chopped dried cherries can be excellent substitutes. For a fresh twist, consider adding fresh diced apples for a crisp texture and bright sweetness.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme is the primary seasoning, offering a classic herby aroma that complements the other ingredients perfectly. If you desire a more traditional holiday stuffing flavor reminiscent of being cooked inside a bird, consider using poultry seasoning, which typically contains a blend of thyme, sage, rosemary, and other spices.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A small splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the entire dish, adding a subtle tang and a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness. Fresh lemon juice can be used as an equally effective substitute, providing a similar zing.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and toasting the walnuts, a good quality olive oil enhances the overall flavor and helps develop a beautiful texture.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the dish to perfection, bringing out all the individual flavors.

How to Make Easy Farro Pilaf: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious farro pilaf is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result:

1. Cook the Farro: Begin by bringing a pot of water or vegetable broth to a rolling boil. Add your well-rinsed farro to the boiling liquid. Once added, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot with a lid, and allow the farro to cook for approximately 20 minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of farro (pearled, semi-pearled, or whole), so refer to your package directions for precise timing. After cooking, check if all the liquid has been absorbed. If there’s any excess liquid, simply drain it off. Transfer the cooked farro to a large serving bowl.
2. Toast the Walnuts: Heat a large, dry skillet over medium-high heat. Add the walnuts to the hot skillet. Toast them for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until they become lightly fragrant and take on a slightly golden hue. Toasting enhances their flavor and aroma significantly. Once toasted, remove the walnuts from the skillet and allow them to cool slightly before roughly chopping them. Add the chopped, toasted walnuts to the bowl with your cooked farro.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Return the same skillet to medium heat and add olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the diced onion and celery to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become translucent. This step builds the savory base of the pilaf, releasing sweet and aromatic flavors.
4. Combine and Season: Add the sautéed onion and celery mixture to the serving bowl containing the farro and walnuts. Incorporate the dried cranberries, fresh (or dried) thyme, salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice). Gently stir all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if desired. Serve warm or allow to cool for a refreshing cold salad.

Serving Suggestions and Versatility

One of the greatest attributes of this savory farro pilaf is its remarkable versatility. It can effortlessly transition from a robust holiday stuffing to a light, refreshing side dish.

• Stuff a Turkey: For a traditional approach, this farro pilaf makes an excellent stuffing for your holiday bird. If you choose to cook it inside the turkey, always follow guidance from reputable sources like the USDA regarding Turkey Basics: Stuffing. The internal temperature of the stuffing, not just the bird, must reach a safe 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) to ensure food safety. Use a food thermometer inserted into the center of the stuffing to verify.
• Serve as Dressing on the Side: Often, the turkey reaches its optimal internal temperature before the stuffing cooked inside it does. To avoid overcooking your bird or undercooking your stuffing, it’s widely recommended to bake the stuffing separately, as a dressing, alongside the bird. This method guarantees perfectly cooked stuffing with crispy edges and a moist interior.
• Enjoy as a Cold Salad: This farro dish truly shines when served chilled, much like a hearty grain salad. The flavors meld and deepen over time, making it an excellent candidate for advance preparation. It’s a wonderful alternative to pasta or potato salads for potlucks, picnics, or summer barbecues.
• Make-Ahead Lunches: Capitalize on its make-ahead potential! Prepare a larger batch and portion it into individual mason jars or airtight containers, just as we do for our popular Vegetable Rice Pilaf. This provides healthy, delicious, and convenient lunches for several days, saving you time during busy weekdays.
• Breakfast Bowl Base: For a unique and nutritious breakfast, warm up a portion of farro pilaf and top it with a fried egg, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dollop of Greek yogurt (if not vegan).
• Stuffed Vegetables: Use the pilaf as a delicious filling for roasted bell peppers, zucchini boats, or even large Portobello mushrooms for a wholesome main course.

Storage Tips for Freshness

Proper storage is key to enjoying your Farro Pilaf for days to come, whether you’re planning ahead or savoring leftovers.

• Refrigerator: To maintain its freshness and flavor, store any leftover Farro Pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure it cools completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Freezer: This pilaf freezes beautifully for longer storage. Transfer the cooled farro stuffing to a large freezer-safe plastic bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. If using a bag, flatten the contents to create a uniform layer; this not only saves freezer space but also allows the mixture to defrost more quickly and evenly when you’re ready to enjoy it. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or enjoying cold.