Farro is one of those hearty, wholesome grains that I absolutely love using in my kitchen! It’s perfect for adding a little extra nutrition to all kinds of meals, from a Mediterranean-inspired salad loaded with fresh veggies and feta to a warm, comforting soup.
But what if you're out of farro or can't find it at the store? Today I'll share with you the Best 6 Farro Substitutes And Cooking Times to ensure you can still whip up those delicious recipes without missing a beat!
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What Is Farro?
Farro is a wheat grain that has been enjoyed for thousands of years, particularly in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. It's one of those ancient grains that's packed with nutrition and has a lovely chewy texture.
In Great Britain and the USA, farro is often called Emmer, while in Germany it’s known as Einkorn, and in Italy, they refer to it as Spelt. This ancient grain is perfect for adding to soups, salads, or grain bowls, and brings a delicious nutty flavor that makes every meal feel a little more special. If you haven’t tried farro yet, it’s definitely worth adding to your pantry!
5 Things To Consider When Choosing A Farro Substitute
So what makes a good Farro Substitute and what should you consider when replacing farro in your recipes?
- Texture: Think about the texture you need. Farro is chewy, so you’ll want something that provides a similar bite for your dish.
- Flavor: Consider the flavor profile. Farro has a mild, nutty taste, so look for grains with a comparable earthy flavor.
- Cooking Time: Pay attention to cooking times. Farro takes a bit longer to cook, so keep this in mind if you’re in a time crunch.
- Gluten Content: Farro contains gluten, so if you’re serving gluten-free guests, you’ll need to find a suitable alternative.
- Nutritional Value: Don’t forget about nutrition! Farro Is Packed With Fiber And Protein, so look for a substitute that offers similar benefits.
What Type Of Grain Is Similar To Farro?
From barley or bulgar wheat to brown rice, wheat berries and quinoa, there are plenty of healthy alternatives for farro.
The following farro substitutes have a similar chewy texture and nutty flavor, so you won't even notice the difference. Use these simple and easy swaps to keep your meals healthy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying!
6 Best Farro Substitutes to Try
Here are 6 of the best substitutes for farro to make your meals just as delicious and satisfying
Bulgar Wheat
Bulgur wheat is a great farro alternative because it’s quick to cook and has a similar chewy texture. It also has that mild, nutty flavor we love in farro, making it perfect for salads, soups, and grain bowls. Plus, it’s packed with fiber, so you’re still getting a nutritious option without the wait time!
Bulgur wheat cooks much faster than farro. While farro can take about 25 to 40 minutes to cook depending on the type (pearled or whole) bulgur wheat usually cooks in just 10 to 15 minutes, making it a quicker option when you're short on time but still want that hearty grain texture.
Can I Replace Farro With Barley?
Yes, you can definitely replace farro with barley in recipes! Both grains have a hearty, chewy texture, making barley a good stand-in for farro. One small difference between farro and barley is that barley has a slightly milder flavor, so it won’t give you the same nutty taste.
However, barley still works well in dishes like soups, stews, and grain bowls, and it adds a good amount of fiber and nutrients to your meal. Just keep in mind the cooking time, as barley might need a bit more time to soften than farro.
Barley typically takes about 40 to 50 minutes to cook, which is about 10 to 15 minutes longer than farro, depending on the type of farro you're using. If you're using pearled barley, it can cook faster, but hulled barley will take a bit more time compared to farro.
Substituting Farro With Wheat Berries
Substituting farro with wheat berries is a great option, but there are a few factors to consider. Wheat berries have a firmer texture compared to farro and generally take longer to cook—around 50 to 60 minutes.
One noticeable difference is that wheat berries are denser and provide a heartier bite, which can change the texture of your dish slightly. Nutritionally, Wheat Berries Are Rich In Fiber And Protein, similar to farro. If you're okay with the longer cook time and firmer texture, wheat berries work well in most recipes that call for farro!
Buckwheat Groats: A Gluten-Free Substitute For Farro
If you're looking for a gluten-free farro substitute, buckwheat groats are a fantastic option. Roasted buckwheat groats have a nutty flavor and chewy texture that can closely mimic farro in many dishes.
The great thing about buckwheat groats is that they cook relatively quickly—usually in about 15 to 20 minutes, much faster than farro.
Whether you're making a salad, grain bowl, or even a warm breakfast porridge, buckwheat groats will give you that hearty, satisfying bite without the gluten. Plus, their earthy flavor adds a unique twist to your recipes!
Swapping Out Farro For Quinoa
Swapping out farro for quinoa is a great choice, especially since both quinoa and farro Contain All The Essential Animo Acids making Quinoa a nutritious alternative to farro.
Quinoa’s softer texture and slightly nutty flavor works well in grain salads and casseroles. You could easily swap farro for quinoa in a chicken casserole, transforming it into a Quinoa Chicken Casserole without sacrificing flavor or heartiness.
Quinoa cooks much faster than farro, taking only about 15 minutes and its gluten-free nature makes it a convenient and versatile substitute for anyone on the gluten free diet. Get the nutritional benefits of quinoa and enjoy the slightly softer texture of this grain in your meals.
Farro Vs Brown Rice
If you've run out of farro or it's unavailable locally, brown rice is an easy and nutritious substitute. Not only does it have a similar chewy texture, but it's also packed with Dietary Fiber Making It A Heart Healthy Alternative.
If you're short on time, you can Pressure Cook Brown Rice in just 20 to 22 minutes, compared to the typical 40 to 45 minutes on the stovetop. Once it's cooked, your brown rice will be ready to add to any dish as a farro substitute!
Handy Table For Cooking Times of All Grains
Here's a handy table for the cooking times of various grains:
| Grain | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Farro | 25 to 40 minutes |
| Bulgur Wheat | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Barley | 40 to 50 minutes |
| Wheat Berries | 50 to 60 minutes |
| Buckwheat Groats | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Quinoa | 15 minutes |
| Brown Rice | 20 to 22 minutes |
FAQ'S
Farro has a nutty, earthy flavor with a slightly sweet taste that sets it apart from other grains. Its texture is firm yet chewy, offering a satisfying bite.
Farro can be used in a variety of recipes and savory dishes from hearty soups and stews to grain bowls and salads. It’s also perfect for risottos, adding a nutty flavor and chewy texture, or as a base for stir-fries.
Farro can even be used in casseroles or as a substitute for rice in pilafs, making it a versatile grain for many different types of meals. Additionally, farro can be served on its own as a simple side dish, either warm or cold.
You can usually find farro in the grocery store’s grain or rice aisle, right alongside quinoa, barley, and other whole grains. Some stores may also stock it in the health food section, especially if it’s labeled as organic.
If you’re having trouble spotting it, check the bulk bins or even the pasta section, depending on how it’s packaged. And of course, you can always ask someone who works there to help you find it quickly!
Wrapping Up
Farro is such a versatile grain, but if you can't find it or run out, there are plenty of great substitutes to keep your meals hearty and delicious. From bulgur wheat to quinoa and brown rice, each option brings a unique texture and flavor, and they all have different cooking times to fit your needs.
So, next time you're cooking a recipe that calls for farro, you’ll have no problem swapping it out and still creating a satisfying dish!
