6 Budget-Friendly Farro Recipes: Nutritious and Delicious on a Dime

Farro, an ancient grain known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture, is an affordable and versatile ingredient perfect for budget-friendly meals. In this article, we share six delicious and nutritious recipes featuring farro that won’t break the bank. Let’s dive into these scrumptious, wallet-friendly dishes.

1. Content

   1. Classic Farro Salad
   2. Ingredients:
   3. Instructions:
   4. Farro Risotto
   5. Ingredients:
   6. Instructions:
   7. Farro and Vegetable Stir-Fry
   8. Ingredients:
   9. Instructions:
   10. Farro-Stuffed Bell Peppers
   11. Ingredients:
   12. Instructions:
   13. Hearty Farro and Mushroom Soup
   14. Ingredients:
   15. Instructions:
   16. Farro, Apple, and Walnut Salad
   17. Ingredients:
   18. Instructions:
   19. Conclusion

   Classic Farro Salad

A farro salad is a simple and satisfying meal that can be easily customized with your favorite veggies and herbs. Combine cooked farro with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh parsley. Toss in a lemon vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt and pepper. Top with crumbled feta cheese for a tangy finish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup farro, uncooked
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the farro according to package instructions, then drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled farro, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve.

2. Farro Risotto

For a twist on traditional risotto, try using farro instead of Arborio rice. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then add farro and cook until lightly toasted. Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring constantly until the farro is tender and creamy. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil for a flavorful and budget-friendly dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup farro, uncooked
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the farro and cook for 2 minutes, until lightly toasted.
3. Gradually add the vegetable broth, one cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing the farro to absorb the liquid before adding more.
4. Continue to cook until the farro is tender and creamy, about 30-40 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and basil. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

3. Farro and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Whip up a tasty and nutritious stir-fry using farro as the base. Sauté your choice of vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, in a little oil. Add cooked farro and your favorite stir-fry sauce, and cook until heated through. Top with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup farro, uncooked
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup stir-fry sauce
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Cook the farro according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli, and cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cooked farro and stir-fry sauce to the skillet, and cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and top with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

4. Farro-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a filling and nutritious option for a budget-friendly meal. Combine cooked farro with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Stuff the mixture into halved bell peppers and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup farro, uncooked
• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the farro according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Place the bell pepper halves on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake for 15-20 minutes, until slightly softened.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked farro, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Remove the bell peppers from the oven and carefully fill each with the farro mixture. Top with shredded cheese.
5. Return the stuffed peppers to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve the stuffed peppers with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

5. Hearty Farro and Mushroom Soup

Create a comforting bowl of soup featuring farro and mushrooms. Sauté onion, garlic, and sliced mushrooms in olive oil. Add farro, vegetable broth, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Simmer until the farro is tender, and season with salt and pepper. Serve with crusty bread for a cozy, budget-friendly meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup farro, uncooked
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups chopped kale
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions:

1. Cook the farro according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the mushrooms and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the vegetable broth and cooked farro to the pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve the soup hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

6. Farro, Apple, and Walnut Salad

Start your day with a hearty and delicious farro breakfast bowl. Combine cooked farro with warm milk, a drizzle of honey, and a dash of cinnamon. Top with your favorite fruits, nuts, and seeds for added texture and nutrition. This budget-friendly breakfast option is sure to keep you full and satisfied all morning.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup farro, uncooked
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Cook the farro according to package instructions, then drain and let cool.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, apple slices, and cooled farro.
3. Add the toasted walnuts and crumbled blue cheese on top.
4. Drizzle with apple cider vinaigrette and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Conclusion