Farro With Roasted Vegetables

This Farro with Roasted Vegetables is a hearty and wholesome dish featuring chewy whole grain farro tossed with a medley of caramelized, oven-roasted vegetables. Perfect as a main or side, this meal brings together the earthy flavors of the Mediterranean in a way that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

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The beauty of this dish lies in the roasting process, which brings out the natural sweetness of the red onion, zucchini, and carrots. When these caramelized vegetables are tossed with the nutty farro, every bite offers a complex mix of textures and flavors.

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

To ensure the best results, rinse the farro under cold water before cooking to remove any surface starch. Make sure to stir the vegetables halfway through the roasting time to ensure they caramelize evenly without burning.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily swap in other seasonal vegetables such as eggplant, mushrooms, or butternut squash. For a vegan version, simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. This dish also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for those looking for a non-vegetarian option.

Serviervorschläge

This dish is wonderful served warm for a cozy dinner or as a room-temperature grain salad for a picnic or lunch. The feta cheese adds a creamy, salty finish that balances the acidity of the balsamic vinegar.

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With its combination of fiber-rich grains and antioxidant-packed vegetables, this Farro with Roasted Vegetables is a nutritious choice that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Recipe FAQs

→ What does farro taste like?

Farro has a nutty, earthy flavor with a satisfying chewy texture similar to barley but slightly lighter. It absorbs flavors beautifully from broths and seasonings.

→ Do I need to soak farro before cooking?

No soaking required. Simply rinse under cold water and simmer in vegetable broth or water for 25–30 minutes until tender but still chewy.

→ Can I make this dish ahead?

Absolutely. Both the cooked farro and roasted vegetables store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve warm or at room temperature.

→ What vegetables work best for roasting?

Root vegetables, bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes all caramelize beautifully. Cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

→ How do I make this vegan?

Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with a vegan alternative. The dish is naturally plant-based and dairy-free without the cheese topping.

→ Can I use other grains instead of farro?

Yes, barley, wheat berries, or brown rice work well as substitutes. Adjust cooking time according to package directions for your chosen grain.