How to Cook Farro in a Rice Cooker

Learn how to cook farro in a rice cooker with simple, step-by-step instructions. Using a rice cooker to cook farro is a great alternative when you don’t have access to a stovetop. It’s easy, mostly hands-off, and gives consistently good results. It’s a perfect method for dorms, small apartments, or while traveling.

What is farro?

Farro is a nutrient-rich, ancient grain made from hulled wheat—meaning it retains its outer shell, which is both edible and packed with fiber. It comes from three different wheat species: spelt, emmer, and einkorn.

If you're looking for a filling and wholesome grain, farro is an excellent choice. Thanks to its mostly intact outer shell, it’s high in fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

With its hearty, nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture—firmer than brown rice—farro is a versatile addition to many dishes. It can be enjoyed in soups, stews, salads, or as a nutritious side dish!

Different types of farro

Before cooking farro, it’s important to know which type you have to ensure the right cooking time and liquid ratio.

• Pearled Farro – The most common type found in stores, pearled farro has had its bran completely removed. This makes it the quickest to cook, as it requires no soaking and absorbs liquid easily.
  
• Semi-Pearled Farro – This variety has part of the bran layer removed, retaining more nutrients than pearled farro while still cooking relatively quickly.
  
• Whole Farro – The least processed form, whole farro retains its entire bran layer. This makes it the most nutritious option but also the longest to cook. It often requires soaking before cooking to help soften the grain.

Equipment

• Multi-Function Rice Cooker – I use a Cuckoo rice cooker, which comes with advanced settings. For best results, use the brown rice or multigrain function when cooking farro.
  
• Standard One-Function Rice Cooker – I also use a Tayama single-function rice cooker, and it works well with just a simple press of the button.

Instructions

1. Rinse the Farro – Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or impurities.
   
2. Add ingredients– Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil, or any neutral oil, add the rinsed farro and water. Use a 3:1 ratio (3 cups of water for every 1 cup of farro).

3. Cook

• If using a multi-function rice cooker, select the brown rice or multigrain setting and set a timer for 35 minutes.
  
• If using a standard one-function rice cooker, simply press cook and set a timer for 35 minutes.

4. Once the 35 minutes is up, turn off the rice cooker and drain any residual water. Serve immediately or store for later use.

How to Tell When Farro is Done

Farro is ready when it has a slight bite and a chewy texture—firm but not mushy.

How to season farro

While farro has a naturally earthy, nutty flavor, you can enhance it with these seasoning options:

• Seasonings – Add salt, dried herbs, or spice blends to boost flavor.
  
• Aromatics – Sauté or mix in garlic, shallots, onions (fresh or dried) to enhance depth and aroma.
  
• Broth – Swap water for chicken, beef, or vegetable broth for a richer taste.
  
• Fats – Stir in butter or a drizzle of olive oil after cooking for a silky finish.
  
• Toppings – Garnish with fresh cilantro, parsley, a squeeze of lemon for acidity, or top with cheese, toasted almonds, or pine nuts for added texture and flavor.

What to eat with farro

Farro is a versatile grain that pairs well with a variety of dishes. You can enjoy it as a hearty side dish or incorporate it into flavorful main courses:

• Side Dishes – Serve farro on its own or try it in a farro broccoli salad or a cheesy Parmesan farro dish for a comforting bite.
  
• Main Dishes – Make a farro pilaf by adding mushrooms and aromatics like garlic, or create a nourishing grain bowl by topping farro with a protein and load it up with fresh vegetables.

How to store farro

• Refrigerate – Store cooked farro in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  
• Freeze – Batch cook and freeze farro for up to 3 months. To freeze:
  
  1. Let the farro cool completely.
     
  2. Transfer it to a food-safe storage bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
     
  3. Store in the freezer and reheat as needed—farro freezes similarly to rice!

Rice cooker cooking tips

• During cooking, you may notice bubbling as the farro boils—this is completely normal as long as it doesn’t boil over. The added oil should help minimize this, but if boil-over does occur, your rice cooker may be too small for the full recipe. Try halving the ingredients to prevent overflow.

• Cooking farro in the rice cooker for longer than the recommended 35 minutes may result in an overcooked, mushy texture.

Frequently asked questions

More rice cooker recipes

If you’re interested in an easy one pot farro meal, get some inspiration with some of my rice cooker recipes

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