This easy slow cooker farro pilaf is flavored with diced ham or bacon, peas, and some simple dried herbs. Feel free to replace the bacon and chicken stock with sliced or chopped mushrooms and vegetable broth for a vegetarian dish.
What Is Farro?
Farro is an ancient wheat grain known for it’s chewy texture and nutty flavor. The grain is an excellent replacement for rice in the slow cooker because it retains its texture and doesn’t get mushy the way rice does. Besides pilaf, farro can be added to soups, stews, and salads.
PrintSlow Cooker Farro
Slow cooker farro retains its texture and flavor even after longer cooking times. Add bacon or ham to the pilaf or omit the meat and use vegetable broth for a meat-free meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Farro, Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cook
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 4 strips of diced cooked bacon or about 1/2 cup of diced ham
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
- 1 cup thawed frozen petite peas or peas and carrots blend
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine the farro, ham or bacon, chicken stock, bay leaf, parsley, onion, pepper, and thyme.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for about 2 1/2 hours, or until the farro is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add the thawed peas and continue cooking for 15 minutes longer.
- Taste and add salt, as needed.