Farro with Wild Mushrooms

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ancient and Nutritious: Farro, a grain dating back to ancient Rome, is a high-protein, fiber-rich grain that’s both hearty and healthy.

• Hearty & Flavorful: The combination of porcini mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, and chicken stock creates a rich, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy farro.

• Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find pantry staples like farro, olive oil, and mushrooms, this dish brings a gourmet touch to your table without complicated ingredients.

• Perfect for Any Meal: Whether served as a side dish or a main, it’s a filling and satisfying dish that can easily be made vegetarian by swapping the chicken stock for vegetable broth.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ ounce dried porcini mushrooms

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 10 cremini mushroom caps, diced

• Salt to taste

• ½ onion, diced small

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup pearled farro, rinsed (or more to taste)

• 3 cups chicken stock, divided

• 2 tablespoons crème fraîche

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (or to taste)

Directions

1. Soak the Porcini Mushrooms: Place the dried porcini mushrooms in a bowl and cover with warm water. Let them soak for 20 to 30 minutes, until reconstituted. Drain and chop the mushrooms.

2. Sauté the Cremini Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced cremini mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the mushrooms are golden and their moisture has cooked off, about 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Add the Porcini Mushrooms: Add the chopped porcini mushrooms to the pot and reduce the heat to medium. Cook and stir until heated through, about 2 to 4 minutes.

4. Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent and golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

5. Cook the Farro: Stir the farro into the pot, coating it in the olive oil. Increase the heat to high and add 1 cup of chicken stock along with a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.

6. Add Remaining Stock: Stir in the remaining 2 cups of chicken stock, bring it to a boil again, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the lid and continue simmering until the farro is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes more.

7. Finish the Dish: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the crème fraîche, fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until it’s fully incorporated.

8. Serve: Spoon the farro and mushroom mixture onto serving plates, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 55 minutes

• Additional Time: 20 minutes for soaking mushrooms

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan substitute.

• Extra Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, kale, or peas for an extra boost of greens.

• Add Protein: Serve with grilled chicken, pork, or a side of roasted salmon for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Farro with wild mushrooms can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different grain besides farro?

Yes, barley or quinoa can be used as substitutes for farro, though they may alter the cooking time slightly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

Is there a way to make it spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish some heat.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried herbs, but use about one-third of the amount compared to fresh herbs.

Can I use another type of mushroom?

Yes, button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or oyster mushrooms can be used in place of cremini or porcini mushrooms.

Conclusion

Farro with Wild Mushrooms is an elegant, comforting dish that brings together the flavors of earthy mushrooms and hearty farro. With the richness of crème fraîche and the sharpness of Parmesan, this dish is a great choice for a special occasion or a cozy meal. With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking process, you’ll enjoy a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and delicious.