Easy Instant Pot Farro

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A meal prep and weekend side dish favorite, this Easy Instant Pot Farro recipe is a completely effortless way to quickly get a healthy and tasty side dish on the table.

Farro in an off-white bowl on a tan, twisted napkin on top of a light cement board background.

I must admit something. Years ago, I bought an Instant Pot and thought it would solve my weeknight meal hassle. But it didn't. I was only using it to cook a few things, and then the rest of the time, it would sit and collect dust in the pantry…until now. I recently decided it was time to learn how to use this small appliance to its full potential, and I am glad I did!

I'm now using my electric pressure cooker to help me prepare meals and get healthy and delicious sides on the table quickly. Hence this pressure cooker farro recipe that has become a favorite way to have a delicious side ready in no time! Farro is included in my pantry staples these days and is a great way to add a nutritious grain to your diet.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Easy to Make: With an instant pot, making farro is as simple as "set it and forget it." It's an easy way to have a hands-off side while you prep the rest of a meal. Plus, it's a staple in my meal prep routine!

Nutritious: Farro packs an impressive amount of fiber, protein and iron, making it a healthy side dish.

Versatile: It can be served as a side dish, in salads and soups. It's also a great base to get easy dinners done quickly. Your culinary creativity is the limit!

Delicious: Farro has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture that's simply irresistible. It's the comfort food you didn't know you needed.

Quick: The farro instant pot cook time is shorter than traditional methods. No more waiting around!

Chicken broth in a pyrex cup, farro in a small clear bowl and kosher salt in a teaspoon.

Ingredients Needed

farro (semi-pearled farro or pearled farro)
chicken broth, vegetable broth or water
kosher salt
black pepper

See the printable recipe card below for exact quantities.

Rinsed farro in a strainer on a tan napkin with a light cement background.

Instant pot with chicken broth and farro being stirred by a wooden spoon.

How to Cook Farro in the Instant Pot

Give your farro a good wash under cold water. This helps rid it of any lingering starch and stops those grains from sticking together.
Next, toss the farro, some savory chicken broth and a pinch of salt into your trusty Instant Pot.
Get that lid on tight, place the pressure release handle to the sealing position and crank up the settings to manual high pressure for a solid 12-minute session. Pour yourself a glass of wine because dinner is about to be served.
When the timer dings, quickly release that built-up steam and drain any surplus water.
Grab a fork and fluff your farro to perfection. And there you have it! A wonderfully wholesome bowl of the finest Instant Pot farro you'll ever make, ready for your enjoyment.

See the printable recipe card below for exact recipe instructions.

Take it a Step Further

Want to jazz up your farro? Try adding a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of white wine, a squeeze of lemon, fresh herbs or your favorite spices before cooking. Trust us; your taste buds will thank you.

Recommended Equipment & Tools

Instant pot, mesh strainer, serving bowl

Serving Suggestions

Instant pot farro pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, hearty soups or even mixed into a fresh salad. Try it with dried fruits and a drizzle of honey for a sweet twist!

Farro is like that one friend who gets along with everyone. It doesn't matter whether you're a fan of sweet or savory, a vegetarian or meat-lover, it's the perfect fit for all your culinary adventures.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.

Farro FAQs

What is the ratio of water to farro?

For a basic farro recipe in an Instant Pot, the ratio is 3:1 - three cups of broth or water to one cup of farro.

Can you cook grains in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! An Instant Pot is a game-changer for cooking grains quickly and perfectly.

Do you have to rinse farro?

Yes, rinsing removes any residual starch and helps prevent the grains from clumping.

What is the difference between pearled farro and regular farro?

Pearled farro has had more of its outer bran removed, which means it cooks faster.

What does farro taste like?

Farro has a delicious nutty flavor and a chewier texture.

How do you know when farro is done?

Farro is done when it's tender but still has a slight chewiness to it. You don't want it mushy!

What is the best way to eat farro?

The sky's the limit! Try it as a base for salads, in soups, mixed with roasted veggies or sweet dishes. Use farro in place of brown rice or white rice. Although farro makes a delicious side dish, you could even eat farro as a complete meal by itself! For a great meal prep recipe, I like to toss my cooked farro with some roasted vegetables and shredded meat and call it done!

Instant Pot vs. Crock Pot: what's the difference?

While they might look similar, they're actually quite different.

An Instant Pot is a multi-functional appliance that can pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté and even make yogurt. It's famous for speeding up cooking times and making life in the kitchen easier.

On the other hand, a Crock Pot is a type of slow cooker that maintains a steady, low temperature, making it perfect for stews, roasts and other slow-cooked meals.

Are Instant Pots worth it?

If you ask us, the answer is a resounding "Yes!" They're versatile, convenient, and can significantly reduce cooking time. Instant Pots are fantastic for cooking grains, like our beloved farro. An Instant Pot is a worthy investment if you love home-cooked meals but are always short on time.

What is farro?

Farro is an ancient whole grain and has been a staple in the Mediterranean diet for thousands of years.

Farro's nutritional value is fantastic! It's rich in fiber, protein and essential nutrients, including magnesium, iron and B vitamins. It's also a complex carbohydrate, meaning it releases its energy slowly, keeping you feeling full and energized for a longer period of time.

In terms of taste and texture, farro is a chewy grain with a nutty flavor, making it a fantastic addition to a variety of dishes such as salads, soups and sides. It can also be used as an alternative to rice, quinoa, and other grains.

If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and don’t forget to tag me @homesweetfarmhome on Instagram and use the hashtag #homesweetfarmhome. I’d love to see what you come up with and share with our community. Cheers!

Recipe Card