If you're looking for a tasty, nutritious grain to add to your meals, look no further than farro. One serving of this ancient grain contains 156 calories, making it a great option for those watching their calorie intake.
Farro is not only low in calories, but it's also packed with nutritional benefits. It's high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, and contains important minerals like magnesium and zinc.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about farro, including how to cook it, store it, and incorporate it into your diet.
What is Farro?
Farro is an ancient grain that has been grown for thousands of years in the Mediterranean region. It has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture, similar to barley or brown rice. There are three main types of farro: spelt, emmer, and einkorn. Spelt is the most common type found in grocery stores today. Farro is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups to breakfast bowls.
Benefits of Farro
Farro is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, and other important nutrients. Some of the top benefits of farro include: - Helps regulate digestion - Improves heart health and lowers cholesterol levels
How to Cook Farro?
Cooking farro is simple and straightforward. Here's how to do it: - Rinse the farro in cold water - Add the farro and water to a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes, until the farro is tender but still chewy.
Storing Farro
To keep your farro fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It will keep for up to 6 months. If you've cooked too much farro, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Farro vs Other Grains
While all grains have their nutritional benefits, farro stands out for its high protein and fiber content. Here's how it compares to some other common grains: - Farro vs Brown Rice: Farro has more protein and fiber than brown rice. - Farro vs Quinoa: Quinoa has slightly more protein than farro, but farro has more fiber.
Farro Recipes
There are endless ways to use farro in your cooking. Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started:
Farro Salads
- Mediterranean Farro Salad: Toss cooked farro with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing and healthy salad. - Kale and Farro Salad: Mix cooked farro with massaged kale, roasted sweet potatoes, and a tahini dressing for a hearty and flavorful salad. - Farro and Beet Salad: Combine cooked farro with roasted beets, goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a colorful and delicious salad.
Farro Breakfast
- Farro Breakfast Bowl: Top cooked farro with yogurt, berries, nuts, and honey for a filling and nutritious breakfast. - Farro Porridge: Cook farro in milk and top with cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup for a cozy and comforting breakfast.
Farro Snacks
- Farro and Cheese Balls: Mix cooked farro with cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown for a tasty snack. - Farro Crackers: Make homemade crackers by combining cooked farro with flour, olive oil, and spices and baking until crispy.
Farro Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for one serving (1/4 cup) of cooked farro: - calories: 220 - Protein: 6g
Farro is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, and other important nutrients.
5 Frequently Asked Questions about Farro
1. What is Farro?
Farro is an ancient grain that has been used as a staple food in Italy for centuries. It is a type of wheat and is often referred to as emmer wheat. Farro has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture, making it a versatile ingredient for a variety of dishes.
2. Is Farro gluten-free?
No, Farro is not gluten-free. It is a type of wheat and contains gluten. Therefore, people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease should avoid it.
3. How many calories does Farro contain?
One serving of Farro, which is about 1/2 cup cooked, contains 156 calories. It is a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein.
4. How do you cook Farro?
To cook Farro, rinse it under cold water and place it in a pot with water or broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. Once done, drain any excess liquid and fluff the Farro with a fork.
5. What are some ways to use Farro in recipes?
Farro can be used in a variety of dishes. It is commonly used in salads, soups, and risottos. It can also be used as a substitute for rice or quinoa in pilafs or grain bowls.