Are you tired of using your rice cooker only for rice? Well, guess what? You can actually use this handy appliance to cook other grains, like farro! Farro is a healthy whole grain that can be enjoyed in many ways – from breakfast to salads, soups, and even risotto. Let me show you how to cook farro in a rice cooker and unlock a whole new world of delicious possibilities.
Instructions
To start, rinse 1 cup of farro under cold water. This helps remove any dust or extra starch that may have settled on the grains during storage.
Next, add the rinsed farro and 3 cups of water into the bowl of your rice cooker.
Now, turn on the rice cooker. If you have a rice cooker like mine, all you have to do is push down the tab and the cooking will begin. The tab will pop when the farro is perfectly cooked.
If your rice cooker has a timer, set it to cook for 45 minutes. You want all the water to be absorbed before removing the farro from the pot.
Finally, remove the farro from the rice cooker and enjoy!
✨Top Tips
- To prevent the farro from sticking to the bottom of the rice cooker bowl, you can spray it with cooking spray.
- Don’t wait for the light to turn off or any other alert from your rice cooker. If it looks like all the water has been absorbed and the grains are cooked to your liking, feel free to open the lid and check.
💪 Nutrition
Farro is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. One serving of cooked farro, which equals ⅔ cup, provides 25% of your daily recommended fiber intake. It’s also a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. With 7 grams of protein and only 200 calories per serving, farro is a fantastic addition to a healthy diet.
Please note that farro contains gluten since it belongs to the wheat family. If you follow a low-carb diet or have diabetes, it’s best to consume farro in small portions.
🥣 Storage
Leftover cooked farro can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 6 months. Make sure the grains are completely cool before transferring them to a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
To defrost, you can quickly thaw the grains in the microwave or on the stove. For the microwave method, place the grains in a microwave-safe bowl, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of water, cover the bowl, and cook in 1-minute increments, stirring between minutes until warmed through. If using the stove, place the grains in a small saucepan, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of water, cover the pan, and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
You can also add frozen farro directly to soup recipes and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
👪 Serving Size
One cup of uncooked farro yields about 2.5 cups of cooked farro. The recommended serving size, according to Bob’s Red Mill, is ⅔ cup cooked.
🥗 Uses
Farro is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes. Here are some of my favorite farro recipes from around the internet:
- Warm Farro Breakfast Bowl with Cinnamon Apples from Foolproof Living
- Easy Mushroom Farro Risotto by A Beautiful Plate
- Warm Farro Salad with Roasted Root Vegetables from Dietician Debbie
- One-Pot Tuscan Farro Soup from Cheerful Choices
🍽️ Equipment
If you’re in need of a rice cooker, you’ll be happy to know that you can make farro in any type of rice cooker, from the simplest to the most sophisticated one. If you’re considering purchasing a rice cooker, check out these highly rated options available at different price points.
Lastly, if you don’t already have a fine mesh strainer, I highly recommend getting a metal one. They are perfect for rinsing small grains like rice and quinoa, as they prevent them from falling through the mesh. Metal mesh strainers are also more durable than plastic or fabric ones.
I hope this guide helps you cook farro in your rice cooker like a pro. Let me know your favorite way to enjoy this tasty whole grain! And remember, for more amazing recipes and tips, check out Ekilove. Happy cooking!
✌️Ems
