10 Farro Recipes That Will Inspire You to Cook This Versatile Grain

Nutty and satisfyingly chewy, farro is a so-called ancient grain that has gained a modern following. While it does contain gluten, farro is also full of protein and high in fiber.

Interestingly, what most Americans call farro is really one name for three different types of wheat: Einkorn, Triticum monococcum; emmer Triticum dicoccum, and spelt, Triticum spelta. In the United States, emmer is the most common farro we find in stores. Each type behaves a little differently, although for our purposes—and in this collection of our best farro recipes—they can be used interchangeably.

Farro can also be sold in differently processed forms: as a whole grain (which requires an overnight soak), as semi-pearled, where some of bran has been removed, or pearled, which is bran-free, but cooks quickly. It doesn't help that bags of farro can be labeled rather spartanly: They may just say "farro," but luckily most include cooking instructions. Follow those and your farro will be appropriately cooked.

For the best nutrition, it's best to choose wholegrain farro, since an overnight soak is not very demanding. Pearled farro, which comes to the rescue for meals required in a hurry, is delicious when paired with protein, fresh herbs, and vegetables, all of which will boost its nutritional goodness.

Read on to see our favorite recipes featuring this delicious grain.