If you’re craving a hearty, wholesome dish that tastes like a cozy night in an Italian countryside villa, then Farro with Wild Mushrooms is calling your name. This recipe brings together nutty farro, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy finish of Parmesan for a dish that’s both rustic and elegant. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for company, yet comforting enough for a quiet weeknight at home. Plus, with its gorgeous mix of colors and textures, Farro with Wild Mushrooms is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this recipe is how a handful of well-chosen, simple ingredients can create such deep, layered flavors. Each item here plays a starring role, from the sturdy farro to the aromatic herbs and luxurious cheese.
- Pearled farro (1 1/2 cups, rinsed): This ancient grain cooks up chewy and hearty, providing the perfect base for the dish.
- Vegetable or chicken broth (4 cups): Simmering the farro in broth infuses it with savory flavor, making every bite taste rich and satisfying.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds silkiness and helps the mushrooms and onions caramelize beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): For a touch of richness and that classic, comforting flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Brings sweetness and depth, forming the aromatic backbone of the dish.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the mushrooms with irresistible aroma and savory sharpness.
- Mixed wild mushrooms (1 pound, cleaned and sliced): A blend of cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms adds earthiness and a variety of textures.
- Dry white wine (1/2 cup): Lifts the flavors and adds a little brightness to balance the richness.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Brings creaminess and a salty, nutty finish that’s absolutely essential.
- Fresh thyme or parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end adds color and a burst of freshness.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Farro with Wild Mushrooms
Step 1: Cook the Farro
Start by bringing your broth to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rinsed farro, then lower the heat and let it simmer away for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the farro to be tender but still pleasantly chewy — the hallmark of a great Farro with Wild Mushrooms. If there’s any excess liquid left, just drain it off and set the farro aside while you tackle the rest.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s soft and fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic and give it just a minute to become golden and aromatic. This is where the kitchen starts to smell absolutely incredible!
Step 3: Brown the Mushrooms
Add your medley of sliced wild mushrooms to the skillet. Don’t rush this part! Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they’ve released their moisture and taken on a lovely golden-brown color — about 8 to 10 minutes. The mushrooms are the star of Farro with Wild Mushrooms, so give them time to develop deep, savory flavors.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the dry white wine and use your spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine bubble and reduce by half. This step not only deepens the flavor, but also adds a touch of elegance to the dish.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Stir the cooked farro into the skillet with the mushrooms. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and fresh herbs, then season generously with salt and black pepper. Everything comes together in a creamy, savory medley. If you like your Farro with Wild Mushrooms a bit creamier, add a splash of cream or extra broth before serving. Serve it hot and enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Farro with Wild Mushrooms
Garnishes
A final flourish can make your Farro with Wild Mushrooms truly unforgettable. Try topping it with a little extra grated Parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh herbs, or a drizzle of good olive oil. For a bit of sparkle, a few flakes of sea salt or cracked black pepper also work wonders.
Side Dishes
This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a satisfying main alongside a crisp green salad, or pair it with roasted vegetables for a vegetarian feast. If you’re serving Farro with Wild Mushrooms as a side, it’s fantastic with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even a festive holiday roast.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Farro with Wild Mushrooms extra special, consider spooning it into individual bowls and topping each with a soft-cooked egg, or serve it in a hollowed-out roasted squash for a showstopping presentation. It’s also lovely packed into ramekins and unmolded for a little dinner party flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Farro with Wild Mushrooms keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen and meld overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to let it cool before storing.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Farro with Wild Mushrooms, let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the farro gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or olive oil to loosen it up and restore that creamy texture. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use regular mushrooms instead of wild mushrooms?
Absolutely! While wild mushrooms add depth and variety, cremini or even button mushrooms will still yield a delicious Farro with Wild Mushrooms. Mix and match whatever you have on hand.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Farro is a type Side Dish, Main Course. If you need a gluten-free alternative, try substituting with brown rice or quinoa and follow the same method.
Can I make Farro with Wild Mushrooms vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the butter for more olive oil and use a plant-based Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy finish. Be sure to check that your broth is vegan as well.
What type of wine works best?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is perfect for deglazing the pan and adding a subtle brightness. If you prefer not to cook with wine, just use extra broth instead.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Definitely! Stir in some cooked white beans, lentils, or top with a poached egg for a protein boost. Farro with Wild Mushrooms is a wonderful canvas for all kinds of tasty additions.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be surprised if Farro with Wild Mushrooms becomes a regular in your dinner rotation! It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Give it a try, and let the cozy, earthy flavors win you over.
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Farro with Wild Mushrooms Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty and nutritious Farro with Wild Mushrooms recipe combines chewy pearled farro with a savory medley of wild mushrooms sautéed in olive oil and butter, enriched with garlic, onions, white wine, and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect as a satisfying side dish or a vegetarian main course, it highlights the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the nutty texture of farro in a delicious Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Grains and Broth
- 1 1/2 cups pearled farro, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Sauté Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Mushrooms and Liquids
- 1 pound mixed wild mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, oyster), cleaned and sliced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Farro: In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Add the rinsed farro, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the farro is tender but still slightly chewy. Drain any excess liquid and set the cooked farro aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Meanwhile, heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced wild mushrooms to the skillet, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 8–10 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and tender, allowing their moisture to evaporate and flavors to concentrate.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Continue cooking until the wine liquid reduces by half, intensifying the flavors.
- Combine Farro and Finish: Stir the cooked farro into the mushroom mixture. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme or parsley. Season the dish with salt and black pepper to your taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Serve: Serve the farro and wild mushrooms warm as a delicious side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or extra broth before serving.
- Leftovers keep well and can be reheated with a drizzle of olive oil to restore moisture and flavor.
- Use vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian version, or chicken broth for added depth of flavor.
- Experiment with different varieties of wild mushrooms for varied texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
