Lemon-Garlic Farro Pilaf with Toasted Almonds and Parsley

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant farro pilaf cooked in vegetable broth, brightened with fresh lemon juice and garlic, finished with crunchy toasted almonds and fresh parsley. This Mediterranean-inspired rice and grain recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs farro, vegetable broth, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup farro under cold water. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat and sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add the rinsed farro and toast it in the oil and garlic for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the edges become slightly translucent.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 3 cups vegetable broth along with 1 tsp salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until farro is tender but still chewy.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Farro Pilaf with Toasted Almonds and Parsley take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 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 Lemon-Garlic Farro Pilaf with Toasted Almonds and Parsley?

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 Lemon-Garlic Farro Pilaf with Toasted Almonds and Parsley?

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 Lemon-Garlic Farro Pilaf with Toasted Almonds and Parsley 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 Lemon-Garlic Farro Pilaf with Toasted Almonds and Parsley 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.

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