How to Cook Farro in a Rice Cooker – Step-by-Step Guide

Farro, a popular grain in Italy, is a delicious and nutritious meal, if you’re craving one. Learn how to cook Farro in a rice cooker to efficiently satisfy your hunger while maintaining diet and nutrition.

This easy rice cooker farro guide has 7 steps and takes about an hour to make, but the final meal is worth the wait!

Farro: A Nutritious Italian Grain

Farro is an ancient grain that has been grown in Italy for thousands of years. Though it fell out of popularity for a while, this nutritious whole grain is now experiencing a resurgence.

Health Benefits

Farro is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The fiber helps support healthy digestion and cholesterol levels. The minerals magnesium, zinc, and iron provide energy, while the B vitamins thiamine and folate aid metabolism. The antioxidants in farro may also help prevent certain cancers and inflammation.

Nutritional Profile

One cooked cup of farro provides about 30% of your daily fiber, 20% of your protein needs, and good amounts of niacin, zinc, and magnesium. Farro is a source of complex carbohydrates to provide lasting energy rather than a sugar rush.

Essential Equipment

Rice Cooker

• 6-cup capacity or larger
• Removable cooking pot for easy serving
• Keep warm function to hold farro for serving

Measuring Tools

• Liquid measuring cup (2 cup capacity ideal)
• Set of measuring spoons
• Use to accurately measure out farro and liquid

Mixing Spoon

• Heat-resistant silicone or rubber spatula
• Mix farro and liquid together before cooking
• Stir halfway through cooking if needed

Knife and Cutting Board (optional)

• Chef’s knife 8 inches or longer
• Durable wood or plastic cutting board
• Chop any vegetables like carrots before adding them to farro

Pot with Lid

• 2-quart saucepan with tight-fitting lid
• Use to rinse the dry farro before cooking
• Drain excess water by covering the pot with a lid

Colander

• At least 3-4 quart capacity
• Drain rinsed farro before placing it into the rice cooker

Bowl

• Heat-proof 4-cup capacity
• Transfer drained farro for transport to rice cooker

Storage Containers (optional)

• Airtight plastic containers
• For storing leftover cooked farro in the refrigerator

Ingredients Required

Farro

• 1 cup dry farro
• Use a semi-pearled or semi-perlato variety
• Quick cooking while still nutty in flavor

Broth

• 21⁄2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• Low sodium recommended
• Adds extra flavor to the farro
• Water can be used instead

Oil/Butter (optional)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• Adds richness and keeps Farro from sticking
• Olive oil is the healthier option

Seasonings

• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Garlic powder, onion powder, oregano to taste

Vegetables (optional)

• 1 cup carrots, chopped small
• 1⁄2 cup celery, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup onion, diced
• Stir in while farro cooks

Cheese (optional)

• 1⁄4 cup grated parmesan
• Sprinkle on top of cooked farro
• Adds salty, nutty flavor

Herbs (optional)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Sprinkle on top for fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Directions With Pictures

Step 1: Rinse Farro

• Measure 1 cup dry farro and place in a medium pot
• Add water to cover and swirl farro in water
• Drain off water using a fine mesh strainer
• Repeat rinsing 2-3 more times until water runs clear

Step 2: Prepare Rice Cooker

• Make sure the inner pot is cleaned and inserted back into the cooker
• Plug the rice cooker in and turn to Cook setting to bring up to temperature

Step 3: Add Liquid

• Measure out 21⁄2 cups broth or water
• Pour into rice cooker inner pot

Step 4: Add Rinsed Farro

• Transfer drained farro to rice cooker pot
• Optional: Stir in 1 tbsp oil or butter

Step 5: Flavor and Cook

• Add any chopped vegetables or seasonings
• Put the lid on to allow farro to cook undisturbed
• Cook for approx. 25-30 minutes

Step 6: Finish and Serve

• Use a rice cooker spoon to fluff farro
• Scoop into bowls and top with cheese, herbs, etc.
• Let the rice cooker automatically switch to Warm
• Serve warm farro directly from the rice cooker

Step 7: Store Leftovers

• Transfer any leftovers to storage containers
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week
• Reheat gently before serving again

Time Needed to Cook Farro in a Rice Cooker

The hands-on cooking time needed for Rice Cooker Farro is approximately 35 minutes. This active cooking time includes rinsing the dry farro ahead of preparing it, allowing the rice cooker to preheat, and cooking the farro until it is fluffy and tender.

Before beginning the actual cooking process in the rice cooker, plan for up to extra 20 minutes at the start. Specifically, this time is needed to properly rinse and repeatedly drain the dried farro grains prior to mixing them together with the other heated ingredients in the cooker.

Taking into account the complete preparation process, including the essential step of soaking and washing the dry whole farro before cooking, the total estimated time needed is close to one full hour for this rice cooker farro recipe.

What You Should Serve with Farro in a Rice Cooker

• Vegetables: Roast vegetables like carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. Sauteed greens like spinach, kale, or chard also pair well.
• Beans: Try chickpeas, white beans, or lentils. The beans can be sauteed with onions and garlic or seasoned with herbs.
• Mushrooms: Saute mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or oyster and mix them with the farro.
• Pesto: Stir spoonfuls of homemade or store-bought pesto into the cooked farro for flavor.
• Nuts and seeds: Toast nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans and sprinkle them on top. Seeds like pepitas or sunflower seeds also add crunch.
• Cheese: Crumbled feta, goat, parmesan, or blue cheese give a tangy contrast. Shredded mozzarella or provolone also melt nicely into the farro.
• Herbs: Mix in fresh parsley, basil, dill, mint, or cilantro. Dried oregano or thyme also season farro well.
• Meat: Cooked chicken, shrimp, or salmon taste excellent on top of farro. For heartier dishes, mix in sausage, prosciutto, bacon, or ham.
• Eggs: Top the farro with poached, fried, or soft-boiled eggs for extra protein.
• Dressings: Drizzle olive oil, vinegars like balsamic or red wine, lemon juice, or vinaigrettes over the cooked farro for added moisture and flavor.

Cooking in a Rice Cooker

Using a rice cooker to make farro offers several advantages:

Pros

• Convenience: Rice cookers allow the farro to cook unattended, freeing up your time for other kitchen tasks. Just add the ingredients, turn it on, and walk away.
• Consistent results: The rice cooker automatically switches to warm mode once the liquid is absorbed, preventing over or undercooking. You’ll have perfectly tender farro every time.
• Versatility: In addition to farro, rice cookers can be used to make all kinds of whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, oats, etc.
• Food safety: Because of the even, controlled heating, very little stirring or checking is needed, minimizing the risk of burns.
• Easy cleaning: Rice cooker inserts are made to be nonstick and clean up fast after cooking.

Potential Cons

• Smaller batches: Rice cookers generally max out at cooking 6-8 cups of grains. Larger households may need to cook more than one batch.
• Size: Rice cookers do take up counter space, which may be limited in some kitchens.
• Price: Quality rice cookers have an upfront cost between $80-$150, though they often last for years.

While stovetop cooking works too, using a rice cooker can make preparing nutritious farro simple and reliable. The set-it-and-forget-it approach helps integrate this ancient grain into busy modern lifestyles.

Closure

In modern menus, Farro’s nutty taste and hearty texture make this ancient grain very ideal. Using a rice cooker to prepare farro helps you reap its nutritional benefits conveniently, any night of the week. When deciding to cook rice cooker farro you might experiment with mix-ins or enjoy its comforting flavor on its own, it’s up to you.

As a versatile and nutritious ingredient, farro cooked in a rice cooker has great potential. This wholesome grain can be enjoyed with light sides, hearty mains, and anything in between. farro is a taste of the past ready to fuel the future, with its ancient roots and modern relevance.