This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more information.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
Absolutely! An Instant Pot is a game-changer for cooking grains quickly and perfectly.
Yes, rinsing removes any residual starch and helps prevent the grains from clumping.
Pearled farro has had more of its outer bran removed, which means it cooks faster.
Farro has a delicious nutty flavor and a chewier texture.
Farro is done when it's tender but still has a slight chewiness to it. You don't want it mushy!
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!
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.
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.
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
Easy Instant Pot Farro
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearled farro
- 3 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse your farro under cold water. Rinsing removes any residual starch and prevents clumping.
- Add the farro, chicken broth and salt to your Instant Pot.
- Secure the lid, place the pressure release handle to the sealing position.
- Set the pressure cook button to manual high pressure for 12 minutes.
- Once cooked, perform a quick release and drain any excess water.
- Fluff the farro, add black pepper to taste and serve
Breanna Mckenzie says
This recipe is a simple and quick way to make farro. I don't have to watch it on the stove top and it's great for meal prep.