Save Discover the delightful textures of Mediterranean cooking with this hearty bowl of farro and roasted vegetables. The nuttiness of the whole-grain farro perfectly complements the sweetness of oven-caramelized peppers, zucchini, and carrots, creating a wholesome dish that is as nourishing as it is flavorful. Whether served as a stand-alone vegetarian main or a side, it brings a vibrant splash of color and nutrition to any table.
Save This recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients. By roasting the vegetables at a high temperature, you unlock deep, savory flavors that provide a satisfying depth to the grain. Finished with a bright splash of balsamic vinegar and fresh parsley, every bite offers a balanced profile of earthy, sweet, and tangy notes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro (uncooked)
- 3 cups vegetable broth or water
- 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
- 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 vegetables are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet to allow them to roast rather than steam. Using a high-quality vegetable broth for cooking the farro can add an extra layer of savory flavor to the grain itself.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Feel free to customize this dish by swapping in other seasonal favorites like mushrooms, eggplant, or butternut squash. To keep the recipe strictly vegan, simply omit the optional feta cheese or substitute it with your favorite plant-based alternative.
Serviervorschläge
This farro dish can be enjoyed warm straight from the stove or served at room temperature as a grain salad. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for those wanting to add additional protein to their meal.
Save With its robust ingredients and simple preparation, this farro with roasted vegetables is sure to become a staple in your rotation of wholesome, flavorful meals.
Recipe FAQ
- → What does farro taste like?
Farro has a nutty, earthy flavor with a satisfying chewy texture similar to barley but slightly more tender. It absorbs flavors beautifully from cooking liquids and seasonings.
- → Do I need to rinse farro before cooking?
Yes, rinsing farro under cold water removes dust or debris and helps ensure even cooking. A quick rinse is sufficient before adding it to your boiling liquid.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Store cooked farro and roasted vegetables separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, then combine when ready to serve.
- → What vegetables work best for roasting?
Root vegetables, bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, onions, and cherry tomatoes all roast beautifully. Choose vegetables that cook at similar rates, or add quicker-cooking items halfway through.
- → Is farro gluten-free?
No, farro contains gluten as it's a type of wheat. For a gluten-free alternative, try quinoa, brown rice, or buckwheat groats in this dish.
- → How do I know when farro is done?
Farro is ready when it's tender but still retains a slight chew. Taste test after the suggested cooking time—if it's still crunchy, cook a few minutes longer and drain any excess liquid.