Meet Alex Caspero
Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Plant-Based Chef and mom of two. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Learn more about Alex.
Farro Risotto! A healthy risotto that’s so flavorful! Farro cooked with white wine, vegetable broth, shallots and mushrooms. Vegetarian or Vegan, your choice.
Is farro the new kale?
In the last few months, I’ve seen farro pop up on several menus, magazines and blogs. Which begs the question- is farro the hottest new ingredient? Like quinoa last year and kale before that, I’m predicting big things for this ancient Italian grain.
But whatever its fate, one thing is definite, it’s spectacular! And we should all be eating it. Nutty, chewy and flavorful, I am considering starting a farro fan club.
I’m a sucker for anything risotto. While I know some people shy away from the perceived complications of the dish, I relish in it. For me, I put on a favorite television show, pour myself a glass of wine, and unwind as I stir, stir, stir until creamy perfection is achieved.
I originally planned to make champagne risotto, you know, in the spirit of New Years on Thursday, but then I remembered the giant bag of farro I bought on a whim and decided to call an audible. When we were in Vegas a few weeks back, one of the many meals we devoured was a delicious farro risotto served with a few different types of mushrooms. With inspiration found, the creation begins!
I am using whole, brown farro which not only contains more fiber and B vitamins, but also has a nutty, more robust flavor. The only downside is having to presoak the grain before using it. You could get away with soaking for only a few hours, but ideally overnight is best.
For the mushrooms, I am using a crimini, but feel free to get wild with more exotic types. I tend to choose crimini the majority of the time because as much as I love shitake and oyster mushrooms, they tend to be almost double the price.
The beauty of this dish is that farro is cooked the same way as risotto. Lightly brown the soaked and drained farro, then slowly add in a flavorful broth a cup at a time until the liquid is absorbed and the farro is al dente. For an extra punch of flavor, I use a little white wine in the beginning, but feel free to omit it for extra broth.
While the farro is cooking, make the mushrooms! Saute in a little olive oil and a generous pinch of salt, pepper and thyme. When the farro is almost finished, add in the ‘shrooms! For a dairy version, finish with a little vegetarian parmesan cheese. For a vegan version, sprinkle a little nutritional yeast in at the end!
If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your Instagram photos with #delishknowledge . I absolutely love seeing your creations. Happy cooking!
PrintFarro Risotto! A healthy risotto that’s so flavorful! Farro cooked with white wine, vegetable broth, shallots and mushrooms. Vegetarian or vegan.
For extra fiber, I used brown, unhulled farro in this recipe. If you are using pearled farro, you don’t need to soak.
Tag @delishknowledge on Instagram and hashtag it #delishknowledge
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(11 comments) leave a comment
You called an audible — you’re SO cute with that reference! It makes me happy. 🙂 I actually still haven’t tried farro, but if you’re predicting it’s the next big thing AND starting a fan club, that just might have to change. Pinned!
Dang girl! This looks awesome. Hey, question…what would you consider to be the most nutritious grain or pseudo-grain? I use quinoa a lot but maybe there is one that is overall a little more robust nutritionally?
Hey girl! Great question! I like to vary my grains in general but I think quinoa is up there, mostly because of the protein factor. While all whole grains have protein, quinoa has the most because it’s technically a seed. Farro is similar to quinoa in fiber. Other grains I love are teff, bulgur, buckwheat, and whole barley!
Sign me up for the farro fan club! This sounds so delicious. Where do you usually buy farro? I’ve had trouble finding it anywhere other than Trader Joe’s.
TJ’s has it but I forget if it’s the whole or pearled kind. I typically buy it at our bulk grain section at Railey’s or Safeway. Do you have a co-op or whole foods near you?
I’ll have to look at Whole Foods again. I couldn’t find it in the bulk bins last time (which I thought was a little weird). Thanks!
If not, check the grain section near the rice. That’s where I found it last time at our Safeway, which is just a regular grocery store.
I’ve never made risotto- always so intimidated by it- you make it sound easy though!