Instant Pot Farro

Instant Pot Farro is a great and easy side dish! So, pick up a bag the next time you head to your supermarket or Trader Joe’s. It cooks up perfecting by pressure cooking it!

This is a great and healthy way to cook up perfectly prepared farro. Light, tender, and delicious!

The kids will not even realize that it’s a healthy grain; they will think of it as delish!

If you are looking for some other Easy Instant Pot Side Dishes, some of my favorites are INSTANT POT WILD RICE, INSTANT POT BROWN RICE, INSTANT POT SWEET BELL PEPPER COUSCOUS (FIESTA), and INSTANT POT HOMEMADE RICE PILAF.

What is Farro?

Farro is one of the oldest grains with thick ancient ties. It is considered a light grain, often used in America in salads, soup, and other simple dishes.

Farro is traditionally cooked in water until it’s softened.

It is commercially sold as whole grain, semi-pearled, or pearled farro. The most common way that farro is sold in the United States is by pearled farro. This is because it takes the shortest amount of time to prepare and cook.

You can prepare it by boiling it on the stove or, in today’s recipe, using the Instant Pot. And with the other methods for cooking, you do not have to soak the farro overnight, saving you a lot of time!

Why Cook Farro In A Pressure Cooker

Cooking farro in a pressure cooker offers several advantages, making it an appealing cooking method. Here are a few reasons why using a pressure cooker for cooking farro can be beneficial:

• Time-saving: Farro typically requires a long cooking time on the stovetop, often up to 45 minutes or more. By using a pressure cooker, you can significantly reduce the cooking time. Pressure cookers create a sealed environment that allows for faster and more efficient cooking, meaning you can have perfectly cooked farro in a fraction of the time.
• Retains nutrients: Pressure cooking helps retain the nutritional value of farro. The high-pressure environment prevents nutrient loss that can occur through prolonged cooking or exposure to excessive heat. This means you can enjoy the full nutritional benefits of farro, including its fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals.
• Even cooking: Pressure cookers distribute heat evenly, ensuring that each grain of farro cooks consistently. This eliminates the risk of overcooked or undercooked grains, resulting in a perfectly tender and uniform texture throughout the dish.
• Hands-off cooking: Once you set the pressure cooker, you can leave and let it do its job. Unlike stovetop cooking, which requires frequent stirring and monitoring, a pressure cooker allows for a more hands-off approach. This is especially useful when multitasking or preparing other components of your meal.
• Versatility: Pressure cookers are versatile appliances that can be used for various recipes and ingredients. In addition to cooking farro, you can use a pressure cooker to prepare various grains, legumes, soups, stews, and even tenderize meats. It’s a convenient and efficient tool to have in your kitchen arsenal.
• Consistency: Pressure cooking helps achieve consistent results every time. The controlled pressure and temperature allow for precise cooking, minimizing the chances of undercooking or overcooking the farro. This ensures a consistently delicious outcome with the desired texture.

Whether you want to save time, retain nutrients, or achieve consistent results, using a pressure cooker for cooking Farro offers numerous benefits. It’s a convenient and efficient method to help you easily incorporate this nutritious grain into your meals.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Farro

Farro is becoming an increasingly popular choice for a nutrient-packed plant-based side dish or meal. It can be cooked on the stovetop, in the oven, and even prepared quickly and easily with Instant Pot! Ready to give it a try?

All you need are some simple ingredients: farro, water, and seasonings – all of which can be sourced readily at your local grocer. No more waiting around for multiple cycles of boiling water – now you could have perfectly cooked farro ready in under 25 minutes!

• Farro
• Water
• Salt

How To Cook Farro In Instant Pot

Instant Pot Farro is one dish that sounds difficult to make but isn’t. The Instant Pot cooks farro perfectly every time with no disturbance when cooking. Not only does it make farro a faster and easier process, but you can also use so many potential flavorings in this dish! Whether you want to use Italian seasoning for an Italian-style farro or Thai spices for a spicy Asian meal, the possibilities are endless.

Farro is full of nutrition and low in calories, making it a perfect choice whether you’re looking for something quick to prepare or just trying something new and healthy. So let’s get cooking—here’s everything you need to know about how to make this delicious Instant Pot Farro!

Add the water and farro to the Instant Pot bowl. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and the vent in the sealing position. Set the manual high pressure for 7 minutes.

When the time is up, let’s release until L07 is displayed, then do a quick release.

Pro Tips For Cooking Farro In Instant Pot

Cooking farro in an Instant Pot can be a game-changer, allowing you to prepare this nutritious grain quickly and easily. Here are some pro tips to ensure the best results when cooking farro in an Instant Pot:

• Rinse the farro: Before cooking, rinse the farro under cold water to remove any dust, debris, or excess starch. This helps prevent the grains from clumping together and ensures a cleaner final result.
• Use the right water-to-farro ratio: For a chewy and tender texture, use a 1:2 ratio of farro to water. For example, if you’re cooking 1 cup of farro, add 2 cups of water or broth. Adjust the amount of liquid depending on your desired texture—more liquid will result in softer farro, while less liquid will yield a chewier texture.
• Add flavor to the cooking liquid: Enhance the flavor of the farro by cooking it in broth instead of water. Vegetable, chicken, or beef broth can infuse the grains with additional savory notes. You can also add herbs, spices, or aromatics like bay leaves, garlic, or onion to the cooking liquid for added depth of flavor.
• Consider soaking the farro: Soaking farro for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking can help reduce the cooking time and promote even cooking. While optional, soaking can lead to a softer and more evenly cooked farro.
• Use the Manual/Pressure Cook setting: Select the Manual/Pressure Cook setting on your Instant Pot and set the cooking time. Farro typically takes around 10-15 minutes under high pressure, but the cooking time can vary depending on the type and brand of farro. Start with the lower end of the recommended cooking time, and adjust accordingly to achieve your desired texture.
• Allow for natural pressure release: After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 5-10 minutes before performing a quick release. This helps the farro to continue cooking gently and allows the grains to absorb any remaining liquid.
• Fluff with a fork: After fully releasing pressure, carefully open the Instant Pot and fluff the farro with a fork. This helps separate the grains and prevent them from sticking together.
• Customize with additional ingredients: Cooked farro can serve as a versatile base for various dishes. Add roasted vegetables, herbs, dried fruits, nuts, or cheese to the cooked farro to elevate its flavor and create a delicious and nutritious meal.

By following these pro tips, you can prepare perfectly cooked farro in your Instant Pot, saving time and ensuring a tasty and wholesome addition to your recipes. Enjoy the nutty and chewy goodness of this versatile grain!

How long does it take to cook farro in a pressure cooker?

The cooking time for farro in a pressure cooker can vary depending on the type and brand of farro and personal preference for texture. On average, it takes around 10-15 minutes under high pressure. However, some types of farro might require a longer cooking time. It’s best to start with the lower end of the recommended cooking time and adjust accordingly to achieve the desired texture.

Do I need to soak Farro before cooking it in a pressure cooker?

Soaking farro before cooking is optional, but it can help reduce the cooking time and promote even cooking. Soaking for 30 minutes to an hour can soften the grains and make them cook faster. If you choose to soak the farro, make sure to drain it before adding it to the pressure cooker with fresh water or broth for cooking.

Can I use broth instead of water for cooking farro in a pressure cooker?

Yes, using broth instead of water can add flavor to the farro. Vegetable, chicken, or beef broth can enhance the taste of the cooked farro. Simply replace an equal amount of water with broth in the cooking process to infuse the farro with savory notes.

How much liquid should I use when cooking farro in a pressure cooker?

Generally, use a 1:2 ratio of farro to liquid (such as water or broth). For example, if you’re cooking 1 cup of farro, add 2 cups of liquid. Adjust the amount of liquid based on your desired texture—more liquid will result in softer farro, while less liquid will yield a chewier texture.

Can I add seasonings or spices to the farro while cooking?

Absolutely! You can add seasonings, spices, or aromatics to the cooking liquid for added flavor. Consider using herbs like bay leaves, thyme, or rosemary, as well as spices like garlic powder or onion powder. Add these seasonings to the pressure cooker and the farro and liquid for enhanced taste.

How do I know when the farro is cooked in the pressure cooker?

The farro is cooked when it has a tender and chewy texture. You can perform a quick taste test to check if the grains are cooked to your liking. They should be tender but still retain some firmness. If the farro is not cooked to your desired texture, you can cook it for a few more minutes under pressure.

Is Farro gluten-free?

Since Farro is made from wheat, it is not gluten-free.  So, if you have been diagnosed with celiac disease or are following a gluten-free diet, avoid Farro.

Some Gluten-Free Rice Options are:

• Brown Rice
• White Rice
• Quinoa

How to serve Farro

Farro can be part of any dinner option. From a plate of grilled chicken to a steak, you can also be served as part of a salad or soup or use farro to make a risotto. There are so many uses for this grain. So grab a package the next time you are at the grocery store. 

More Instant Pot Recipes

• INSTANT POT WILD RICE

• INSTANT POT SPANISH RICE

• EASY INSTANT POT GREEK LEMON RICE

• INSTANT POT CHICKEN FRIED RICE

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