Farro and Roasted Garlic Risotto with Parmesan
A creamy risotto-style dish using farro instead of rice, enriched with roasted garlic and Parmesan for a nutty, savory vegetarian entree. This italian-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs farro, kept warm vegetable broth, whole garlic bulb for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 4 cups, kept warm vegetable broth
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small, finely diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp leaves fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice the top off 1 whole garlic bulb exposing cloves, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 40 minutes until soft and golden.
- Step 2: Rinse 1 cup farro under cold water. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 small finely diced yellow onion, and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in the drained farro and cook for 2 minutes, coating grains with oil and onion.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and cook until mostly evaporated, about 3 minutes.
- Step 5: Begin adding warm vegetable broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until liquid is mostly absorbed before adding more, continuing for 30-35 minutes until farro is tender but chewy.
- Step 6: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from the bulb and mash gently, then stir into the farro along with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; stir well to combine and heat through.
- Step 7: Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm as a comforting grain dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Farro and Roasted Garlic Risotto with Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (10 min prep + 50 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 Farro and Roasted Garlic Risotto with Parmesan?
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 Farro and Roasted Garlic Risotto with Parmesan?
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 Farro and Roasted Garlic Risotto with Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is Farro and Roasted Garlic Risotto with Parmesan vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved the farro texture! Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
Authentic Italian flavors—my husband even asked for seconds.
- ★★★★★
This risotto was a hit with my family! The roasted garlic added such depth.