Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Farro Bowl is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender pearled farro simmered in broth, then coated in a rich garlic cream sauce with Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a hearty side or light main course, it’s enhanced with fresh parsley and a hint of lemon zest for brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Farro and Broth
- 1 cup pearled farro (about 200 g)
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (720 ml)
Garlic Cream Sauce
- 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
Optional Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Cook Farro: Rinse 1 cup (200 g) of pearled farro under cold water thoroughly. In a medium saucepan, combine the farro with 3 cups (720 ml) of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the farro is tender but retains a slight chewiness. Drain any excess liquid and set the farro aside.
- Sauté Garlic: While the farro is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons (28 g) of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown or burn to maintain a sweet, mellow garlic flavor.
- Add Cream: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir constantly to warm the cream gently and allow it to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Do not let it boil to avoid curdling.
- Combine Farro with Sauce: Add the cooked farro to the skillet with the garlic cream sauce. Stir thoroughly so every grain is well coated with the creamy mixture.
- Melt Cheese In: Gradually stir in 3/4 cup (75 g) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing continuously until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, add a small amount of extra cream or broth to loosen the texture to your preference.
- Season and Garnish: Season the farro bowl with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For added freshness, stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest if desired.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan farro into serving bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if you like. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Pearled farro cooks faster and is more widely available than semi-pearled or whole farro; use semi-pearled or whole farro if you prefer a chewier texture but increase cooking time accordingly.
- If using vegetable broth, this dish is suitable for vegetarians if Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Adjust the seasoning carefully since Parmesan cheese already contains salt.
- Extra lemon zest brightens the dish and adds a subtle citrus note.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: farro, garlic parmesan, creamy farro bowl, Italian grains, comfort food, vegetarian, easy dinner
