One-Pan Vegetarian Farro Skillet: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy weeknight meal? Look no further than this Vegetarian Farro Skillet! This recipe is packed with nutrients, bursting with flavor, and can be customized to use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Best of all, it all comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Farro, an ancient grain with a nutty taste and chewy texture, forms the heart of this dish, providing a satisfying and wholesome base. Get ready to enjoy a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dinner that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Farro Skillet

• Easy One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks together in one skillet.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins from the farro and vegetables.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to use your favorite vegetables or what you have on hand.
• Flavorful: A delicious combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
• Satisfying: The farro provides a hearty and filling base for a complete meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers are delicious and make for a perfect packed lunch.
• Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly: Easily made vegan by omitting the optional parmesan cheese topping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this amazing farro skillet. Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your preferences and what’s in season.

• Farro: The star of the show! Use pearled or semi-pearled farro for a quicker cooking time. Whole farro requires pre-soaking and a longer cooking time. We recommend pearled farro for this recipe.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
• Onion and Garlic: The aromatic base of the dish. Yellow or white onion works well.
• Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness and color. We like using a mix of red, yellow, and orange.
• Zucchini: A mild and versatile vegetable that soaks up the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Mushrooms: Adds an earthy and savory element. Cremini or button mushrooms are good choices.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and acidity. Grape tomatoes also work.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides the liquid for cooking the farro and adds flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds classic Italian flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Parmesan Cheese (Optional): For a savory and cheesy topping. Omit for a vegan option.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): For garnish.
• Lemon Juice (Optional): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors at the end.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your liking. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Farro: If you don’t have farro, you can substitute it with other grains like quinoa, barley, or brown rice. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the grain you use.
• Vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you enjoy! Broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, kale, carrots, eggplant, and asparagus are all great options.
• Beans: Add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes.
• Cheese: Use other types of cheese like feta, mozzarella, or goat cheese instead of parmesan.
• Vegan: Omit the parmesan cheese or use a vegan parmesan alternative.
• Protein: Add some cooked lentils, tofu, tempeh, or plant-based sausage for a protein boost.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Vegetarian Farro Skillet:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all the vegetables. Dice the onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the Vegetables: Add the bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the Farro and Broth: Add the farro, cherry tomatoes, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the farro is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Check for Doneness: The farro should be tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed. If the farro is still too firm, add a little more broth and continue cooking until done. If there’s too much liquid, remove the lid and cook for a few minutes to allow the excess liquid to evaporate.
7. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice (if using). Serve hot, topped with parmesan cheese (if using) and fresh parsley.

Detailed Instructions with Tips and Tricks

Let’s break down each step with some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your farro skillet turns out perfect every time.

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Washing: Thoroughly wash all the vegetables under running water. This removes any dirt or debris.
   • Chopping: Consistent chopping ensures even cooking. Dice the onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms into similar sizes.
   • Garlic: Mince the garlic finely to release its flavor. You can use a garlic press or mince it with a knife. Avoid burning the garlic, as it will become bitter.
   • Tomatoes: Halving the cherry tomatoes allows them to release their juices and add sweetness to the dish.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • Olive Oil: Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
   • Heat Control: Keep the heat at medium to prevent burning the onion and garlic.
   • Softening: Cook the onion until it becomes translucent and softened. This releases its sweetness.
   • Fragrant Garlic: Cook the garlic for just a minute until it becomes fragrant. Overcooking will result in a bitter taste.
3. Add the Vegetables:
   • Layering Flavors: Adding the vegetables in stages allows each vegetable to cook properly and release its flavors.
   • Softening: Cook the bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms until they soften slightly. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
   • Stirring: Stir the vegetables occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
4. Add the Farro and Broth:
   • Farro Type: Pearled or semi-pearled farro is recommended for this recipe due to its shorter cooking time. If using whole farro, you’ll need to pre-soak it and increase the cooking time significantly.
   • Vegetable Broth: Use a good quality vegetable broth for the best flavor. You can also use chicken broth if you’re not vegetarian.
   • Seasoning: Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
   • Combining: Stir all the ingredients together to ensure the farro is evenly coated with the broth and seasoning.
5. Simmer:
   • Simmering: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. This allows the farro to cook slowly and evenly.
   • Covering: Covering the skillet helps to trap the steam and cook the farro properly.
   • Cooking Time: Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the farro is tender and the liquid is absorbed. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of farro you use.
   • Stirring: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Check for Doneness:
   • Tender Farro: The farro should be tender and slightly chewy.
   • Liquid Absorption: Most of the liquid should be absorbed. There may be a small amount of liquid remaining, but it shouldn’t be excessive.
   • Adding More Broth: If the farro is still too firm, add a little more broth (1/4 cup at a time) and continue cooking until done.
   • Evaporating Excess Liquid: If there’s too much liquid, remove the lid and cook for a few minutes to allow the excess liquid to evaporate.
7. Season and Serve:
   • Tasting and Adjusting: Taste the farro skillet and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning.
   • Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
   • Serving: Serve the farro skillet hot.
   • Parmesan Cheese: Top with parmesan cheese for a savory and cheesy flavor. Omit for a vegan option.
   • Fresh Parsley: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Making the Best Farro Skillet

• Use the right type of farro: Pearled or semi-pearled farro is recommended for this recipe as it cooks much faster than whole farro.
• Don’t overcook the farro: Overcooked farro can become mushy. Cook it until it’s tender but still slightly chewy.
• Use fresh, seasonal vegetables: Fresh vegetables will provide the best flavor and nutrients.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors: Add your favorite herbs, spices, and vegetables to customize the recipe to your liking.
• Let the farro rest for a few minutes after cooking: This allows the flavors to meld together and the farro to absorb any remaining liquid.
• Adjust the amount of liquid as needed: The amount of liquid you need may vary depending on the type of farro and the moisture content of your vegetables.
• Toast the farro before cooking (optional): Toasting the farro in the skillet for a few minutes before adding the broth can enhance its nutty flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Vegetarian Farro Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• A side salad
• Crusty bread
• Roasted vegetables
• Grilled chicken or fish (if not vegetarian)

Storage Instructions

Leftover Vegetarian Farro Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Make Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the vegetables ahead of time by chopping them and storing them in the refrigerator. You can also cook the farro ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to make the skillet, simply sauté the vegetables and add the cooked farro and broth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use whole farro in this recipe?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to pre-soak it for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. You’ll also need to increase the cooking time significantly, likely by an additional 20-30 minutes. Check the farro periodically and add more broth as needed.

Q: Can I freeze this farro skillet?
A: Yes, you can freeze it. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: No, farro contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute the farro with quinoa or brown rice.

Q: Can I add protein to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Cooked lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, tofu, tempeh, or plant-based sausage are all great additions.

Q: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A: You can create your own Italian seasoning blend by combining equal parts dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.

Recipe Card

Conclusion

This Vegetarian Farro Skillet is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful, and easy meal. With its customizable ingredients and simple one-pan cooking method, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. So, gather your favorite vegetables, grab a bag of farro, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds and nourish your body. Enjoy!

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