Herb Roasted Veggie Farro
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
I love how herb roasted veggie farro brings together the wholesome goodness of vegetables with the nutty flavor of farro. The vibrant colors of the roasted veggies add not only visual appeal but also a depth of flavor that makes this dish a go-to in my kitchen. It’s a versatile recipe that can be an impressive side or a delightful main dish. Plus, the blend of fresh herbs elevates the farro, making each bite truly satisfying. I can't wait to share how easy it is to whip up this nutritious dish!
Creating herb roasted veggie farro in my kitchen has been a delightful experience. I explored various vegetables and found that using seasonal produce not only enhances the flavor but also provides a nutritional boost. The crispness of the roasted carrots and zucchinis against the chewy farro creates a wonderful texture that keeps me coming back for more.
What truly makes this dish shine is the fresh herbs I incorporated. A mix of rosemary and thyme added an aromatic touch that elevated the entire meal. By roasting the vegetables until they're perfectly caramelized, I discovered a way to intensify their natural sweetness, balancing the nuttiness of the farro beautifully.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A colorful medley of roasted vegetables bursting with flavor
- Nutty farro that adds hearty texture and health benefits
- Perfect for any meal, served warm or cold as a salad
Understanding Farro
Farro is an ancient grain known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. When cooked, it absorbs the rich flavors of the vegetable broth beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your dish. Cooking farro in vegetable broth, as directed in this recipe, not only infuses it with flavor but also elevates its nutritional profile. You can use either semi-pearled or pearled farro—both varieties will work, but note that pearl farro cooks faster, about 15-20 minutes, while semi-pearled may take longer, around 25-30 minutes.
For a gluten-free option, you can substitute farro with quinoa or brown rice. Both alternatives will yield a different flavor and texture but will still create a nourishing base for your roasted vegetables. Just remember to adjust cooking times and liquid ratios accordingly, as quinoa requires approximately 15 minutes to cook, while brown rice may take 40-50 minutes.
Perfectly Roasting Vegetables
Roasting vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and creates a pleasing caramelization. To achieve perfectly roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, it's vital to cut them into evenly sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook uniformly and develop a nice golden exterior, becoming tender with a slight bite. If your vegetables are crowded on the baking sheet, they may steam instead of roast, so consider using two sheets if necessary for better airflow.
When seasoning your vegetables, toss them in olive oil until they are lightly coated; this not only assists in achieving a beautiful brown color but also prevents them from drying out during cooking. I recommend checking them at the halfway point, giving them a gentle stir, and ensuring they are not overcooked—look for tender vegetables with lightly charred edges for the best flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Herb Roasted Veggie Farro
- 1 cup farro
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Combine these fresh ingredients for a delightful dish!
Instructions
Prepare the Farro
In a medium saucepan, combine farro and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 25 minutes, or until farro is tender. Drain any excess liquid.
Roast the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the diced carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper in olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Combine and Serve
Once vegetables are roasted and farro is cooked, combine them in a large bowl. Toss gently and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious herb roasted veggie farro!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to personalize this dish with your choice of vegetables or herbs based on what's in season or what you have on hand.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Herb roasted veggie farro makes a wonderful dish to prepare ahead of time. You can cook the farro and roast the vegetables a day in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you're ready to enjoy your meal, simply reheat both parts gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of vegetable broth for moisture. This convenience allows you to quickly whip up a nutritious meal even on busy days.
If you're considering making a larger batch, you can easily double or even triple the ingredients. Farro and roasted vegetables store well, and leftovers can be mixed into salads, grain bowls, or enjoyed as a side dish throughout the week. Just be aware that the texture of the roasted veggies may soften when reheated, so consider leaving them slightly under-roasted for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines both hot and cold, making it a versatile centerpiece. Serve the warm farro and veggies alongside grilled chicken or fish for a satisfying dinner. Alternatively, let it cool and mix with fresh greens, a squeeze of lemon, and some feta cheese for a delicious room-temperature salad. It’s also perfect for meal prep, as it can easily be portioned for lunches throughout the week.
For added flavor, consider drizzling a balsamic reduction or a tangy tahini dressing over your farro and vegetables before serving. Fresh herbs like basil or dill, in addition to the parsley garnish, can further brighten the dish, introducing new flavor notes. Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables, ensuring each batch of herb roasted veggie farro feels fresh and exciting!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other grains instead of farro?
Yes, quinoa or brown rice can be good alternatives, but cooking times may vary.
→ Is this dish vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are plant-based.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the farro and roast the veggies ahead of time. Just combine them when ready to serve.
Herb Roasted Veggie Farro
I love how herb roasted veggie farro brings together the wholesome goodness of vegetables with the nutty flavor of farro. The vibrant colors of the roasted veggies add not only visual appeal but also a depth of flavor that makes this dish a go-to in my kitchen. It’s a versatile recipe that can be an impressive side or a delightful main dish. Plus, the blend of fresh herbs elevates the farro, making each bite truly satisfying. I can't wait to share how easy it is to whip up this nutritious dish!
Created by: Jenna Rowland
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Herb Roasted Veggie Farro
- 1 cup farro
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How-To Steps
In a medium saucepan, combine farro and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 25 minutes, or until farro is tender. Drain any excess liquid.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the diced carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper in olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Once vegetables are roasted and farro is cooked, combine them in a large bowl. Toss gently and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to personalize this dish with your choice of vegetables or herbs based on what's in season or what you have on hand.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 270mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 10g