Looking for the easiest, fastest method to make farro? This Instant Pot farro recipe is my favorite way to cook this ancient grain with a chewy texture and a nutty flavor! Cooking farro is an ideal option for meal prep or a weeknight dinner.
As you may already know, I'm big, big, fan of farro! It's truly one of my favorite grains, and I have so many farro recipes, from my farrotto to my Mediterranean chickpea soup to my butter lettuce salad. But, depending on the variety that you purchase, it can take a bit of time to cook over the stove top.
As a result, I've been making it in bulk and supplementing my weekly meals with grain bowls, salads, and soups. I'm always looking for easy instant pot recipes, so when I discovered I could cook grains with it, I was super excited! Well, friends, I'm happy to share the recipe with you - it's so quick and easy!!
Ingredient Notes
Opt for semi-pearled farro (or one labeled as a "30-minute cook") for the best results in terms of cooking time and liquid absorption. I recommend brands like Timeless or Bob's Red Mill, which you can find at most grocery stores.
A Few Key Tips:
- Farro vs. Spelt: Don’t confuse the two — while some translations may call farro "spelt," they are different grains. Spelt takes much longer to cook and has a distinct flavor.
- Varieties: You can purchase whole farro (unpearled), pearled, and semi-pearled varieties. The kind of farro you use matters! The more pearled the grain, the less cooking time it requires. Whole farro needs an overnight soak and longer cooking time, and pearled is the quickest.
- Check the Labels: Not all brands clearly label the type of grain. If it’s unclear, check the cooking instructions on the back of the package. Generally, whole farro takes at least an hour, semi-pearled farro around 30 minutes, and pearled farro 15 minutes or less.
For a full list of ingredients and quantities, refer to the recipe card.
Equipment
This recipe is specifically for an Instant Pot, which I tested in my IP Duo. I'm sure this is absolutely doable in another type of electric pressure cooker, however the results may vary.
If you do try this out with another brand, let me know how it goes!
How to Make Farro in an Instant Pot
Step 1: Give 1 ½ cups of dry farro a good rinse to remove any dust and debris.
Step 2: Add the rinsed farro, a drizzle of olive oil, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt to the pot. Cover and lock the lid in place. Pressure the 'Pressure Cook' button and set to high pressure for 5 minutes. Make sure it's in the sealed position.
Step 3: Once the 5 minutes elapse, allow for a 10-minute natural release. Transfer the cooked farro to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately or store for longer term use.
Expert Tip
Natural pressure release may not fully release all the steam. Before opening the lid, be sure to manually vent the pot to release any remaining steam. For added safety, cover the vent with a kitchen towel to avoid burns.
Recipe FAQs
Leftover grains can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 - 5 days. For longer-term storage, spread and cool the grains completely on a large baking sheet, then divide them into individual portions and transfer them to freezer bags. Flatten the bags to remove any excess air, then seal and freeze for up to 3 months. You can thaw it in the fridge or quickly zap it in the microwave before serving.
You can just drain it! Depending on the brand and variety of the grain, it's completely normal if there's some excess water.
Don't worry, this can easily be fixed! Just add a bit more liquid and cook it for an additional 1 - 2 minutes under high pressure, followed by a quick release. Alternatively, transfer the grains to the stovetop, add liquid, and simmer until it reaches your desired texture. Drain any excess liquid once the farro is tender.
For the best farro, make sure to season it well! If desired, you can sub the water for chicken broth or vegetable broth for an even more flavorful side dish.
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Happy eating! Love, KarishmaInstant Pot Farro Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups semi-pearled farro, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, or ½ teaspoon of any other salt
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Pressure Cook: Combine 1 ½ cups semi-pearled farro, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, and 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil in an Instant Pot. Close and lock the lid of the Instant Pot, and set it to “High Pressure” for 5 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
- Finish: After 10 minutes, place a kitchen towel over the vent, and carefully release any remaining pressure. Unlock the lid, and drain any excess liquid (there may not be any!).
- Serve: Transfer farro to a serving bowl, fluff with a fork, and serve as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
