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Warm Farro with Tomatoes, Parmesan, and Basil

Warm farro with tomatoes, Parmesan, and basil cooked in the microwave using the glass Anyday dish, blending hearty farro with fresh, vibrant flavors. Enjoy a quick and wholesome meal, ready in minutes
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Prep Time

8 mins

Cook Time

18 mins

Free Time

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Warm Farro with Tomatoes, Parmesan, and Basil

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With its nutty flavor and satisfying chew, farro is quinoa and couscous’ lesser-known (but equally worth knowing) sibling. This fantastic recipe, adapted for the Anyday from Smitten Kitchen’s One-Pan Farro with Tomatoes, is best enjoyed by itself, topped with a fried egg, or as a hearty side. Make sure to use pearled farro (see serving suggestion note) for a faster cooking time.

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


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

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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.

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Dish

Clip-on Strainer

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (200g) pearled farro (see note)
  • 1¼ cups (300 ml) water
  • ¼ cup (30g) medium diced yellow onion
  • ½ cup (75g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
  • lemon juice, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • parmesan, grated, to taste
  • basil, thinly sliced

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 and onion and stir to combine. Cover with lid (knob lifted).
  3. Cook in the microwave at Power Level 5
    ✕

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    [[video-power]]

    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

     for 18 minutes, or until farro is cooked through with a slight bite. Let rest for 5 minutes, allowing the farro to finish steaming evenly.
  4. Stir in lemon juice and butter. Garnish with a generous shower of parmesan cheese and basil.

Suggestions

  • Citrus and nuts: Mix in orange segments, toasted almonds, and arugula for a crunchy, tangy farro salad.
  • Pesto farro: Toss farro with basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts for a flavorful, dish.
  • Fresh veggies: Stir in chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, or bell peppers for a light and refreshing salad.

Recipe Notes

  • The type of farro you use here matters! Pearled farro has the husk and bran removed, giving it a milder flavor and faster cooking time. By contrast, semi-pearled and whole-grain farro will take longer to cook. If your farro package has a cooking time of 20 minutes or less, it’s likely to be pearled farro.

  • Adjust the power level by 1 as needed — increase if it’s taking longer than expected, or decrease if it’s bubbling over.

  • Freeze the farro in the 1/2 Cup Anytime Freezer Trays and reheat as needed.

  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Warm Farro with Tomatoes, Parmesan and Basil in the Microwave

What is farro?

Farro is an ancient whole grain known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. Similar to quinoa or couscous, it offers a more substantial bite and is packed with nutrition, making it perfect for hearty dishes. In this recipe, we recommend using pearled, quick-cooking farro for a faster cooking time.

Can I cook farro in the microwave?

Absolutely! Using an Anyday dish, you can quickly cook farro in the microwave—about three times faster compared to traditional methods. This method ensures even cooking while allowing the farro to absorb the flavors of the tomatoes, onion, and olive oil for a savory, satisfying dish.

Why use pearled farro in this recipe?

Pearled farro has had some of its outer bran removed, which reduces the cooking time compared to whole farro. It retains its chewy texture and nutty flavor, but cooks much faster, making it ideal for a quick, microwave-friendly meal.

How can I tell when farro is fully cooked?

Farro is fully cooked when it has absorbed most of the liquid and has a slight chew, similar to al dente pasta. After microwaving, allow the farro rest for 5 minutes with the lid on to finish steaming and ensure an even texture.

How long can I store farro in the fridge?

Farro can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Once the farro is ready, allow it to cool, then cover it with the Anyday lid and refrigerate until needed. The silicone edge on the lid helps keep the farro fresh and flavorful.

Can I freeze farro?

Yes, you can freeze cooked farro! First, spread cooked farro onto a baking sheet to cool completely. Portion cooled farro into our silicone Anytime Freezer Trays  and freeze it for up to 3 months. The lid helps prevent freezer burn, keeping the farro fresh and ready to use whenever you need it. To reheat, simply pop the frozen farro into an Anyday dish, add a splash of water, and microwave for 1-2 minutes per portion, or until fully heated through. For more tips on freezing and reheating, check out our blog here.

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