How to Cook Farro in a Rice Cooker? Easy & Yummy Recipe
Rice cooker is another name for convenience. It is easy to operate, time-saving, and doesn’t need to look over during the cooking cycle. Cuckoo and Zojirushi are well-known brands of rice cookers in the market. There has always been a battle of Cuckoo vs. Zojirushi. It is easy to decide which one to buy as both made rice cookers of high quality and advanced features.
Due to the advanced features of the rice cooker, they are more capable than making rice. You can make lentils, couscous, brown rice and Farro, etc. in them. However, cooking Farro in a rice cooker may take longer than in an instant pot and stovetop. But you only have to dump Farro with all the ingredients and leave work on the rice cooker.
In this blog, we will give you a simple recipe for Farro and guide you to its different types and how you can follow some easy tips to get savory Farro in the meal!
Table of Contents
What is Farro?
Faro is an ancient wheat variety cultivated for thousands of years in the Mediterranean region. It has a nutty taste and soft texture, and you can use it in various dishes, including soups, salads, and pilafs.
This Farro has high nutritional value and is rich in protein, fiber, and several essential nutrients such as magnesium and vitamin B3. It’s also a great source of complex carbohydrates that helps keep you feeling full and content longer. Farro is a healthy alternative to other grains such as rice and pasta.
Is Farro Gluten Free?
Gluten is present in Farro. It is an accident grain that belongs to the wheat family and has gluten. As a result, those who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid it. It is a good source of fiber, protein, and other nutrients for those who can handle gluten.
4 Different Types of Farro
Farro is an ancient form of wheat used as a traditional food in many regions worldwide for thousands of years. It comes in various forms, each with a unique flavor and texture. Some of the most typical varieties are listed below:
1. Whole grain Farro
This Farro has contained both the bran and the germ naturally. It frequently appears in salads and other side dishes because of its nutty flavor and chewy texture.
2. Pearled Farro
Farro has been bran and germ removed, leaving only the inner kernel. It is frequently used in soups and stews and has a milder flavor and softer texture than whole-grain Farro.
3. Freekeh
This variety of Farro is produced by gathering the wheat while it is still green and roasting it afterward. It frequently appears in Middle Eastern cuisine because of its chewy texture and smokey flavor.
4. Emmer Farro
It is the oldest kind of Farro and is often called Triticum dicoccum. It frequently appears in soups, stews, and salads because of its chewy texture and nutty flavor.
How to Cook Farro in a Rice Cooker in Easy Steps
You may have heard other ways to cook Farro, but they came out tasty and savory in a rice cooker. It is also an easy and convenient way to prepare this ancient grain in a rice cooker.
Grab All Ingredients
- 1 cup of Farro
- 3 cups of water or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper for taste
Instructions to Make Tasty Farro
- Rinse the Farro in water and drain it.
- Now add the farro and water or vegetable broth to the rice cooker. If you want to add salt and pepper, you can do it now.
- Unlike rice, the water-to-farro ratio will be 3:1.
- Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. Set the rice cooker to the “Brown Rice” or “Whole Grain” setting. Otherwise, you can use the regular “White Rice” setting.
- Then let the Farro cook for about 40-45 minutes. During this time, the rice cooker automatically switches off when the water is absorbed.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the Farro rest for a few minutes.
- Fluff the Farro with a fork and serve it hot.
Tips & Variations of Farro
1. Toast Before Start Cooking
Farro can be softly toasted in a skillet (without oil) for 10 minutes to bring out its nutty taste. Cook the Farro next, as usual.
2. Mix Flavors
Never be scared to try new aromatic combinations. You can also use onion, ginger, leeks, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and other ingredients besides garlic and herbs.
3. Drizzle with Olive Oil
Add Olive oil to the Farro after it cooks to prevent sticking. This advice is helpful if you intend to keep leftover Farro in the fridge.
Recap
Preparing a delicious meal is easy. With some easy tricks, patience, and proper guidance, you can master the art of cooking. This guide aims to help you quickly prepare your favorite Farro dish.
Adding Farro to your diet can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, and these recipes are a tasty way to incorporate them into your meals. Give them a try, and let us know what you think. Enjoy cooking!
Related Read: How to Cook Lentils in a Rice Cooker?
Related Read: How to Cook Couscous in a Rice Cooker?
FAQs
Is farro healthier than rice?
Farro is a much healthier alternative to white rice and other refined grains. It is rich in fiber, protein, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins.
How much water does it take to make 1 cup of spelled flour?
Cooking Farro in a rice cooker is an easy and effective way to prepare this hearty grain. To cook 1 cup of Farro, add 2 cups of water. Once the water boils, add spelled flour and stir. Cover the rice cooker and cook until the Farro is tender about 20 minutes. After cooking the Farro, use a fork to separate, loosen the grains, and savor them as you like.
Do you need to rinse farro before cooking?
Many people rinse Farro or rice before cooking to remove dirt or debris. But Farro is different. It’s not necessary to rinse Farro before cooking, but it can spoil the flavor and texture. If you use a rice cooker for cooking the Farro, add the dry grains and the appropriate amount of water or broth to the pot. Then set the stove to the desired temperature and turn it on—no need to rinse.
Recipe
How to cook Farro in a Rice Cooker
Equipment
- Rice Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 cup of Farro
- 3 cups of water or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper for taste
Instructions
- Rinse the Farro in water and drain it.
- Now add the farro and water or vegetable brothto the rice cooker. If you want to add salt and pepper, you can do it now.
- Unlike rice, the water-to-farro ratio will be3:1.
- Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on.Set the rice cooker to the "Brown Rice" or "Whole Grain"setting. Otherwise, you can use the regular "White Rice" setting.
- Then let the Farro cook for about 40-45 minutes.During this time, the rice cooker automatically switches off when the water isabsorbed.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, let theFarro rest for a few minutes.
- Fluff the Farro with a fork and serve it hot.