Ancient Grain Pilaf with Aged Cheddar & Herbs
A hearty pilaf featuring farro (an ancient grain), slow-cooked with caramelized onions and a creamy aged cheddar sauce for a taste of history. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 50 minutes pairs farro, chicken stock, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup shredded aged cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup farro under cold water until water runs clear, then drain well.
- Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced onions and 1/2 cup diced carrots, then cook for 8 minutes until onions are translucent and carrots are tender.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed farro and 2 cups chicken stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Step 4: Cover and simmer for 25 minutes until farro is tender and liquid is absorbed, stirring once halfway through.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in 1 cup shredded aged cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh thyme and 2 tbsp fresh parsley, then serve immediately while warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ancient Grain Pilaf with Aged Cheddar & Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Ancient Grain Pilaf with Aged Cheddar & Herbs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep farro from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ancient Grain Pilaf with Aged Cheddar & Herbs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Ancient Grain Pilaf with Aged Cheddar & Herbs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Ancient Grain Pilaf with Aged Cheddar & Herbs?
Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
