How to Microwave Farro

//cookanyday.com/cdn/shop/files/Anyday_Photos_Basics_Farro_1040_360x.webp?v=1722358165 Perfectly cooked farro made and served in the glass Anyday dish, providing nutty and chewy grains. This method ensures evenly cooked farro, ideal for adding to salads, soups, or as a hearty side dish.
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Prep Time

1 min

Cook Time

25-30 mins

Free Time

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Nothing beats the convenience of cooking farro in the microwave with Anyday. Rather than boiling it on the stovetop, our microwave method ensures perfectly cooked, flavorful farro at the press of a button, simplifying your next meal prep session.

Farro, a nutritious ancient grain, boasts rich, nutty flavors and has a satisfyingly chewy texture. By efficiently cooking farro in the microwave at a lower power level, you preserve these flavor distinct qualities in every mouthful. Not only can you cook farro in a vented Anyday dish, but you can also serve it straight out of the microwave. After your meal, pop the lid back on to keep leftovers fresh in the fridge for easier meals throughout the week.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

Anyday Basics, Anyday Basics, Rice & Grains, Farro, meal prep, Deep Dish Anyday Basics, Rice & Grains

What You’ll Need

What You’ll Need

The Medium Deep Dish

The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.

The Strainer

Introducing: The Strainer! Flexible-yet-sturdy clips attach this clever ‘colander’ onto your Anyday dish, making it a master multitasker. Use this strainer on any size or shape Anyday dish.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Try Anyday

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1 cup (170g) farro

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

Microwave oven by power - 1100w
1100w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (6oz/ 170g) farro
  • 1⅓ cups (315ml) water

Preparation

  1. Place the farro in an Anyday dish and rinse thoroughly under cold tap water. Using the Anyday Strainer, strain the excess water.
  2. After straining, add the water to the Anyday dish and stir to combine. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  3. Cook in the microwave for at Power Level 3tooltip for 25-30 minutes, or until the grains are tender.
  4. Fluff the farro with a fork, then serve as desired.

Serving suggestions & tips

  • Farro Soup: Add cooked farro to vegetable or chicken soup for added texture and heartiness. It's a great way to bulk up soups and make them more satisfying.
  • Farro Salad: Toss cooked farro with diced vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and fresh herbs. Dress with a simple vinaigrette for a light salad.
  • Farro Bowl: Build a nourishing grain bowl with cooked farro as the base. Top with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken or tofu, avocado slices, and a drizzle of tahini or yogurt sauce.
  • Veggie Tots: Make these Veggie Tots with farro instead of brown rice.

Recipe notes

  • For a more tender result, add 1/4 cup extra water and add 5-10 minutes to the total cooking time.
  • Add 1-2 teaspoons of oil into the cooking water so the grains don’t stick together.
  • Freeze the cooked farro in the 1/2 Cup Anytime Freezer Trays and use as desired.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Microwave Match Up: Farro

See for yourself— microwaving farro is simply faster, start to finish.

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 25-30 mins
Stovetop* 35 mins
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* 25-30 mins
*Includes preheat time

All You Need to Know About Microwaving Farro

How long does it take to cook farro in the microwave?

Ingredient Water Power Level Cook Time
1 cup (170g) farro 1 1/3 cups (315ml) water 3 30 mins
2 cups (340g) farro 2 1/2 cups (570ml) water 3 30 mins
3 cups (510g) farro 3 3/4 cups (890ml) water 4 30 mins
Cook time calculated for 1100w microwave

It takes approximately 25-30 minutes to microwave farro to perfection. To determine when it's done, look for plump, pillowy grains. You can also check by sampling a few grains with a fork; they should be tender but not overly soft or mushy.

Do I need to wash farro before cooking?

It is quite normal for packaged farro can have a bit of a dusty residue from processing. To get rid of that, just give the farro a good rinse under cool, running water using a fine-mesh strainer before you start cooking it. Easy as that!

Can I add seasoning or herbs before freezing farro?

Absolutely! Adding seasoning or herbs to farro before freezing can enhance its flavor and make it even more delicious when reheated. Consider seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite herbs and spices before freezing for a flavorful meal every time.

How to freeze microwaved farro?

To freeze the cooked farro, begin by cooling the farro down. Transfer the cooled farro into 1/2 cup Anytime Freezer Trays, cover, and freeze for future use. Cooked farro can also be frozen with added vegetables or cooked beans for a quick, healthy whole grain side dish medal.

Can I use frozen farro directly in salads or cold dishes?

Yes, you can! Frozen farro can be added directly to salads or cold dishes without the need for reheating. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or microwave it briefly to bring it to room temperature before adding it to your favorite cold recipes.

How to reheat frozen farro?

Place as many pucks of frozen farro as needed in the Anyday dish and reheat for 1-2 minutes per puck or until heated through. Once reheated, season to taste and add to soups, and stews.