Are you a fan of farro and looking for a simple method to prepare it? You’re in luck, then! Curious if can i cook farro in a rice cooker.
Yes, it is possible to cook farro in a rice cooker. It is a simple, hands-off method that allows you to focus on other tasks while the farro cooks. Simply place the farro and water (or broth) in the rice cooker, select the “grain” or “brown rice” setting, and let the machine do the rest. When the farro is done cooking, the rice cooker will automatically switch to the “keep warm” setting, so you don’t have to worry about it becoming overcooked or burned.
In this article, we will discuss how to cook farro in a rice cooker, along with some tips and recipe suggestions for using the cooked farro.
Contents
Why Cook Farro in a Rice Cooker?
Cooking farro on the stovetop can be a bit of a process, as it requires soaking and simmering for a long time. A rice cooker, on the other hand, makes it easy to cook farro with minimal effort.
All you have to do is add the farro and water (or broth) to the rice cooker, set it to the “grain” or “brown rice” setting, and let it do the work for you. The rice cooker will automatically switch to the “keep warm” setting when the farro is finished cooking, so you don’t have to worry about it getting overcooked or burning.
Another advantage of cooking farro in a rice cooker is that it’s hands-off, so you can focus on other tasks while the farro is cooking. This is especially convenient if you’re short on time or don’t want to stand over the stove for an extended period of time.
How to Cook Farro in a Rice Cooker?
Cooking farro in a rice cooker is a straightforward process, and it’s similar to cooking rice. Here’s how to do it:
- Rinse the farro: Farro should be rinsed before cooking to remove any dirt or debris. Place the farro in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water.
- Measure out the farro and water: For every cup of farro, you’ll need 2 cups of water or broth. If you’re using broth, be sure to choose a low-sodium variety so you can control the amount of salt in your finished dish.
- Add the farro and water (or broth) to the rice cooker: Place the farro and water (or broth) in the rice cooker and stir to combine.
- Cook the farro: Set the rice cooker to the “grain” or “brown rice” setting and let it cook the farro. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of farro you’re using and the desired texture. Emmer farro, for example, will take longer to cook than spelt farro.
- Check the farro for doneness: Once the farro is finished cooking, the rice cooker will switch to the “keep warm” setting. Check the farro for doneness by fluffing it with a fork and tasting a small piece. If it’s still a bit hard or chewy, add a little more water or broth to the rice cooker and let it cook for a few more minutes.
Tips for Cooking Farro in a Rice Cooker
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when cooking farro in a rice cooker:
- Soak the farro before cooking: Soaking farro before cooking can help reduce the cooking time and improve the texture. To soak farro, place it in a bowl of cold water and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours). Rinse the farro thoroughly before adding it to the rice cooker.
- Use broth for added flavor: While water will work fine for cooking farro in a rice cooker, using broth will add more flavor to the finished dish. You can use any type of broth, including chicken, beef, or vegetable. Just be sure to choose a low-sodium variety so you can control the amount of salt in your finished dish.
- Experiment with different cooking times: The cooking time for farro will vary depending on the type of farro you’re using and the desired texture. Emmer farro, for example, will take longer to cook than spelt farro. Experiment with different cooking times to find the perfect texture for your farro.
- Add spices and herbs for flavor: Farro has a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of spices and herbs. Try adding a pinch of your favorite spices, such as cumin or coriander, to the farro before cooking. You can also stir in some fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, after the farro is finished cooking.
- Use cooked farro in a variety of dishes: Once your farro is cooked, there are endless possibilities for using it in your meals. You can use it as a base for salads, mix it into soups and stews, or use it as a filling for stuffed peppers or zucchini boats. You can also try using it as a replacement for rice in dishes like pilafs and risottos.
Recipe Ideas for Using Cooked Farro
Here are a few recipe ideas for using your cooked farro:
- Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables: This colorful and flavorful farro salad is perfect for a summer barbecue or as a healthy lunch option. To make it, combine cooked farro with roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Add some fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, and dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Farro and Mushroom Soup: This hearty soup is perfect for a cold winter day. To make it, sauté some mushrooms in a pot over medium heat until they’re tender. Add some cooked farro, a can of diced tomatoes, and some broth to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Top the soup with some grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Farro and Kale Pilaf: This flavorful pilaf is a great side dish for grilled chicken or fish. To make it, sauté some diced onion and minced garlic in a pan over medium heat until the onion is translucent. Add some cooked farro, a few handfuls of chopped kale, and a splash of chicken broth to the pan. Cook the pilaf for a few more minutes, until the kale is wilted and the broth has been absorbed. Finish the pilaf with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Farro and Veggie Stuffed Peppers: These tasty stuffed peppers are a great vegetarian main dish. To make them, halve some bell peppers and remove the seeds. Fill the peppers with a mixture of cooked farro, diced vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes), and some shredded cheese. Bake the peppers in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Farro Risotto with Roasted Butternut Squash: This creamy farro risotto is a delicious and unique twist on the classic dish. To make it, roast some diced butternut squash in the oven at 400°F until it’s tender. Meanwhile, heat some broth in a pot over medium heat. Add some cooked farro to the pot and stir in the roasted butternut squash. Cook the farro risotto for a few more minutes, until it’s creamy and the squash is fully incorporated. Serve the risotto with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Final Thought
Farro can be cooked in a rice cooker just like rice. Simply rinse the farro and add it to the rice cooker with the appropriate amount of water or broth.
The cooking time may be slightly longer than rice, but the rice cooker’s “keep warm” function can help to ensure that the farro is fully cooked and ready to serve when you are.
As with any grain, be sure to follow the instructions for your specific rice cooker and adjust the water-to-grain ratio as needed. With a little bit of preparation and patience, you can easily cook farro to perfection in a rice cooker.
FAQs | Cook Farro in a Rice Cooker
Here are a few FAQs related to “can I cook farro in a rice cooker?”:
What is farro and how is it different from rice?
Farro is a type of ancient grain that has a nutty, slightly chewy texture and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and nutrients such as iron and B vitamins.
Farro is often confused with spelt, which is a similar grain, but it is not the same. Farro is also slightly larger and firmer than rice, which can affect the cooking time and water-to-grain ratio.
Can I cook any type of farro in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can cook any type of farro in a rice cooker, including pearled, semi-pearled, and whole farro. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of farro you are using, but the basic cooking method is the same.
Do I need to soak farro before cooking it in a rice cooker?
Soaking farro before cooking it can help to reduce the cooking time and make it more tender, but it is not necessary. If you do choose to soak your farro, be sure to rinse it well and adjust the water-to-grain ratio accordingly.
How do I know when the farro is fully cooked in a rice cooker?
Farro is fully cooked when it is tender and the grains are plump. The cooking time will depend on the type of farro you are using, but it is typically between 20-30 minutes for pearled farro and up to 60 minutes for whole farro. You can test the farro for doneness by biting into grain or fluffing it with a fork.
Can I use broth or other liquids instead of water to cook farro in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can use broth or other liquids such as coconut milk or fruit juice to add flavor to your farro.
Simply follow the instructions for your rice cooker and adjust the liquid-to-grain ratio as needed. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if you are using a different liquid.