How to Cook Farro in a Rice Cooker

If I had to choose a favorite grain-based side dish, it would easily be farro. The delightfully chewy texture and delicate, nutty flavor of farro make it a delicious alternative to rice.

And while farro can be cooked on the stovetop, it does require a bit of babysitting.

That's where the rice cooker comes to the rescue.

By cooking farro in a rice cooker, you eliminate the need for constant monitoring, allowing you to focus on preparing other components of your meal. In just 45 minutes, your farro will be perfectly cooked without any fuss.

So, keep reading to learn all of my tips and tricks to make the best farro in a rice cooker.

What is Farro?

Farro is an ancient wheat grain known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. It's a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine.

As a whole grain, farro is a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It pairs well with a variety of vegetables and proteins, offering a hearty and nutritious addition to meals.

Is Farro Gluten-Free?

No, farro is not gluten-free. Since farro is a type of wheat, it does contain the protein gluten. Individuals with gluten intolerance, wheat allergies, or celiac disease should avoid consuming farro.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make- The rice cooker does most of the work, meaning you're able to focus on preparing the rest of your meal.
• Versatile- Use this easy rice cooker farro in various recipes, such as salads, soups, risottos, pilafs, and as a side dish.
• Healthy- Farro is packed with heart-healthy fiber, plant-based protein, B vitamins, zinc, iron, and magnesium.
• Freezer-Friendly- I love making a big batch of rice cooker farro, then freezing half of it to use in soups, on salads, or as a risotto.

Ingredient Notes

Here are some notes on the key ingredients. For the full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

• Farro- This rice cooker recipe calls for Italian pearled farro. Cooking pearled farro is quicker than cooking whole farro or semi-pearled farro since some of the bran is removed.
• Water- The ratio of water to farro in a rice cooker is 3:1. So, use 3 cups of water for every cup of farro you want to make.

Sustainability Fact: By growing ancient grains, like farro, farmers are helping to make our food system stronger.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ways you can try customizing this healthy farro in a rice cooker recipe to fit your diet and taste preferences.

Substitutions

• Farro- Swap farro for quinoa (2:1 ratio), freekeh (2.5:1 ratio), or wheat berries (2.5:1 ratio). Keep in mind that the cook time and water-to-grain ratio will change, depending on the grain you choose.
• Water- Substitute water for chicken stock or vegetable stock for extra flavor.

Seasoning Variations

• Simple- Drizzle cooked farro with extra virgin olive oil or butter. Then, season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
• Garlic- Add roasted or sautéed garlic along with butter, salt, and pepper for a flavorful side that pairs well with any meal.
• Herbed- Chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, parsley, or basil, give farro a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Citrus Zest- For a bright, citrusy flavor, consider adding lemon zest, lime zest, or orange zest.

Equipment Notes

Here are some notes on any special equipment I used to make this recipe.

• Rice Cooker- Cooking farro becomes a breeze with the help of a rice cooker. The rice cooker easily cooks farro to perfection while you focus on preparing that rest of your meal. Personally, I highly recommend the Tiger 5.5-Cup Rice Cooker, which I love and use multiple times a week.
• Mesh Sieve- Rinsing the excess starch off of the farro is so easy with a fine mesh sieve.

How to Make Farro in a Rice Cooker

Here is how to cook farro in a rice cooker.

Step 1: Rinse the farro. Rinse the farro under cold, running water in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch.

Step 2: Cook the farro. In the bowl of the rice cooker, combine the rinsed farro and water. Set the rice cooker to the "brown" or "whole grain" setting, or follow the instructions provided with your specific rice cooker model. Cooking times may vary, but it takes approximately 45 minutes for the farro in my Tiger rice cooker.

Step 3: Fluff the farro. Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully open the rice cooker to release the steam. Be cautious as the steam can be hot. Using a fork, fluff the farro to separate the grains, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.

Step 4: Season and serve. Season the cooked farro as desired. You can enjoy it as is or incorporate it into various dishes such as salads, soups, or pilafs.

Tips for Success

• Rinse the farro. Rinsing the farro helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier cooked farro.
• Follow your rice cooker instructions. Rice cookers vary in their settings and cooking times. Make sure to read and follow the instructions that came with your specific rice cooker.
• Fluff the farro. When the farro is finished cooking, use a fork to gently fluff it up. This helps to separate the grains, so they don't stick together and become clumpy.
• Season to taste. Get creative with seasoning your rice cooker farro. Try different herbs, spices, or even add-ins like vegetables, nuts, or dried fruits to customize this easy whole grain side dish to your liking.

What to Serve With Farro in a Rice Cooker

Farro is a versatile, chewy whole grain that can be enjoyed as a side dish or added to other recipes for heartiness and texture.

Serve simple rice cooker farro as a side dish alongside your favorite protein and vegetables. Some of my favorite farro protein pairings include roasted chicken, grilled chicken, steak tips, pesto salmon, and grilled shrimp.

This nutty whole grain also makes a tasty addition to salads. Try making farro salad or adding cooked farro to this Lemon Farro Salad, Spinach Caprese Salad, Arugula Quinoa Salad, or Mediterranean Black Bean Salad.

Finally, serve the farro with Mediterranean-inspired sides like hummus, tzatziki, falafel, olives, feta cheese, and grilled pita or naan bread.

Storage and Reheating

How to Store

• Refrigerator- Store leftover rice cooker farro in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
• Freezer- For longer storage, freeze leftover rice cooker farro for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat

• Stovetop- Bring a small amount of water or broth to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add leftover farro and heat, stirring occasionally, until the farro is warmed through.
• Oven- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the leftover farro out evenly in a baking dish and drizzle with a few tablespoons of water. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the farro is warmed through.
• Microwave- Place a serving of farro in a microwave-safe bowl and drizzle with a small amount of water. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat the farro on HIGH in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the farro is hot.

Make Ahead

Rice cooker farro is great for meal planning and prepping because can easily be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It reheats well and is a fantastic way to add some texture and heartiness to your meals throughout the week.

I also love keeping cooked farro in my freezer. Farro freezes well and it is easy enough to make a double batch of farro in a rice cooker. Having hearty, whole grain farro ready in my freezer is perfect for busy nights when I don't feel like cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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