Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Farro Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup pearled farro (about 200 g); 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (720 ml); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 g), softened; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (120 ml); 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 75 g); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon lemon zest

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Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Farro Bowl is a comforting and delicious dish featuring tender farro cooked in rich, savory sauce. It’s a perfect choice for a wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

A close-up image of a shallow white bowl filled with creamy risotto that has a rich brown color with hints of green herbs and small bits of caramelized ingredients mixed throughout. The texture looks soft and slightly glossy, with fresh green herb sprigs sprinkled on top, adding contrast. The white bowl is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup pearled farro (about 200 g)
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (720 ml)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 g), softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (120 ml)
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 75 g)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the farro under cold water. Combine it with the broth in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the farro is tender but chewy. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
Step 3: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir continuously and allow the mixture to warm and thicken slightly for 3-4 minutes without boiling.
Step 4: Add the cooked farro to the skillet and stir well to coat all the grains in the garlic cream sauce.
Step 5: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the mixture feels too thick, add a little more cream or broth to loosen it.
Step 6: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Optionally, mix in chopped parsley and lemon zest for extra freshness.
Step 7: Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan farro in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use vegetable broth to keep this dish vegetarian-friendly, or chicken broth for richer flavor.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrition.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
To enhance the garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before mincing.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a thick, creamy risotto that shows many short grains of rice cooked in a rich, brown-orange sauce. The risotto has small bits of finely chopped herbs, likely parsley or thyme, scattered on top, adding touches of green. The texture looks smooth and slightly shiny with some small chunks mixed in, giving it a hearty, comforting look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use whole farro instead of pearled farro?

Whole farro takes longer to cook than pearled farro and may require soaking beforehand. If using whole farro, increase cooking time and check for tenderness accordingly.

Is this dish suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.