Pin It Farro With Roasted Vegetables is a hearty and wholesome dish featuring chewy whole grain farro tossed with a medley of caramelized, oven-roasted vegetables. This Mediterranean-inspired meal is versatile enough to be served as a satisfying main dish or a nutritious side, offering a perfect balance of textures and earthy flavors.
Pin It The secret to this dish lies in the high-heat roasting of the vegetables, which concentrates their flavors and creates those delicious browned edges. Combined with a simple balsamic dressing and fresh herbs, the farro becomes a canvas for a truly vibrant culinary experience.
Ingredients
- Grains
- 1 cup farro (uncooked)
- 3 cups vegetable broth or water
- Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Dressing & Finish
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, toss the bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, carrot, and cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 3
- Roast vegetables for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until caramelized and tender.
- Step 4
- Meanwhile, rinse farro under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine farro and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes until tender but still chewy. Drain excess liquid if necessary.
- Step 5
- In a large bowl, combine cooked farro, roasted vegetables, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 6
- Stir in fresh parsley and top with crumbled feta cheese if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure your farro is cooked 'al dente'—it should be tender but still have a firm, chewy bite. If you find yourself with excess liquid after the cooking time, be sure to drain it thoroughly to prevent the final dish from becoming soggy.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly adaptable. You can swap in other seasonal vegetables such as eggplant, mushrooms, or butternut squash depending on what is fresh. For a completely vegan version, simply omit the feta cheese or use your favorite plant-based cheese alternative.
Serviervorschläge
While delicious as a vegetarian main, this dish also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for those seeking a non-vegetarian option. It works equally well as a warm dinner or a chilled grain salad for lunch the next day.
Pin It With 320 calories and 8g of protein per serving, this Farro With Roasted Vegetables is a balanced and nutrient-dense meal that provides lasting energy. Enjoy the simple goodness of Mediterranean cooking right in your own kitchen.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Do I need to rinse farro before cooking?
Rinsing farro under cold water removes dust and debris while helping achieve a cleaner taste. It's a quick step that takes just a minute and improves the final texture.
- → Can I cook farro in advance?
Absolutely. Cooked farro stores well in the refrigerator for up to five days. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and toss it with roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and dressing for quick meals.
- → What vegetables work best for roasting?
Root vegetables, hearty winter squash, eggplant, mushrooms, and Brussels sprouts all roast beautifully. Choose vegetables that cook at similar rates, or add quicker-cooking items like cherry tomatoes halfway through roasting.
- → Is farro gluten-free?
Farro contains gluten since it's a type of wheat. For a gluten-free alternative, try quinoa, brown rice, or buckwheat groats prepared using the same roasting method.
- → Can I make this vegan?
Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative. The balsamic dressing and roasted vegetables provide plenty of flavor without any dairy.
- → What's the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors often improve after a day as the grains absorb the dressing. Serve cold or gently reheated.