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Home » Grains

Farro Pilaf Recipe

Published: Sep 5, 2023 · Modified: Sep 5, 2023 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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This Savory Farro Pilaf is a delicious and satisfying meal full of flavor. The nutty flavor of farro with savory sausage, meaty mushroom and a hint of sweetness from cranberries makes a wonderful combination that is worthy for your holiday table too.

This is one of the best farro recipes I've ever made, try more Mediterranean grain and make this barley recipe, your taste buds will thank you.

Farro stuffing in a white plate garnished with chopped parsley.
Jump to:
  • ❓What you'll like about this recipe
  • 📝 Ingredients
  • 🥄 Instructions
  • 👍 Amira's Tips
  • 💬 FAQs
  • 📣 Related Recipes
  • More Holiday Sides
  • More Sausage Recipes
  • Farro Pilaf Recipe

❓What you'll like about this recipe

This is a simple stove top stuffing recipe but packs a lot of flavors and textures. Italian sausage is used to satisfy the meat lover in you but let's refrain from the bread and use a nutty chewy farro to load it up with fibers, protein, some vitamins and minerals too.

The recipe is so easy to play with to suite your taste, use whatever sausage you like or may be go for ground chicken or beef. Do not like farro or cannot find it, why not try another grain like the mighty freekeh, barley or even rice. Of course the nutritional content will not be the same but still...

This dish is nutty and rich with deep mushroom flavor and a hint of sweetness coming from the cranberries. Leftovers are great the next day.

📝 Ingredients

Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

An image of stausage stuffing ingredients placed on a white tabletop.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Oil, I've used olive oil but you can use whatever oil you like. You can also use butter or ghee if you do not have oil although I prefer oil in this recipe.
  • Mushroom broth is perfect for this recipe but chicken or vegetables broth is also fine to use.
  • Farro, is the main hero here I've used whole farro for its nutritional values but this recipe works well for pearled or semi pearled farro. Just adjust the cooking time, more about that below . If you cannot find farro try using Freekeh for a close earthy and nutty flavor.
  • Sausage, I've used Italian sausage but you are welcome to use whatever sausage you like.

🥄 Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

  1. In a large skillet over medium high heat, add sausage. Cook trying to break it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and no longer pink. This step will take approximately 6-8 minutes, set aside.
  2. In the same pan, add olive oil then saute onion for about 3 minutes. Add celery, garlic and rosemary.
  3. Add the mushroom and cook until tender.
  1. Now add rinsed farro, and mix well.
  2. Add salt and pepper. Pour stock, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook for 30-40 minutes or until farro is done to your liking.
  3. Stir in sausage, parsley and dry cranberry. Turn heat off. Let it set in the pan for 5 minutes before serving to warm up cranberries and the rest of the ingredients.

👍 Amira's Tips

  • There are mainly 4 types of farro in the market, 10 minutes, pearled, semi-pearled and whole. Personally I prefer the whole even if it takes a little longer to cook. You are welcome to use any type but bear in mind that not all farro are created equal, meaning the less it takes to cook the more processed it is.
  • If you do not know whether you're getting the whole grain or one of the pearled varieties, check out the farro after 15-20 minutes of cooking.
  • In my opinion and experience with farro, I did not need to soak the farro overnight, the difference does not worth it for me. If you soak the farro they will take 10 minutes shorter to cook.
  • Start by adding 2 cups of mushroom stock and cook the farro. Check after 30-35 minutes when all the stock has been absorbed and farro is almost done, if you feel it is still too firm for your liking use the rest of the stock and cook for another 10 minutes.

💬 FAQs

Can you make farro pilaf ahead of time?

This sausage stuffing can be easily made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. When you are ready to serve, take it out and warm on stove top.

Can I put stuffing in the turkey?

If you would like to actually stuff your bird with it, then cook the farro on stove top with only half the stock. Stuff the bird, then let it finish cooking inside the oven with the turkey.

How to cook farro?

Farro is a nutty, chewy grain popular in the Mediterranian region, especially in Italy. It is advised to cook farro the pasta method, as the abundance of water cooks farro evenly. Here I cooked it pilaf style, I only needed 2 cups of broth but check for your taste as most people recommend a 3rd cup to be added.

a spoon scooping some turkey sausage stuffing out of a pan.

📣 Related Recipes

  • Make your dinner table more interesting with this elegant Mediterranean rice pilaf. This rice is bursting with flavors with a touch of sweetness that sure to impress.
  • A quick Lebanese rice recipe that is fuss free, no soaking required. This is my everyday rice recipe and the kids are loving it.
  • Turmeric rice is a fragrant and fluffy rice recipe popular throughout the Mediterranean countries. Basmati rice cooked with turmeric and other aromatic spices for a festive side dish.

More Holiday Sides

  • Green bean casserole with cream of chicken is a classic American dish especially popular during the holidays. The rich and savory flavors of the creamy sauce goes pretty well with the tender green beans and the crunchy topping. Great for parties and gathering.
  • Cheesy mashed potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort side dish for your family meals specially during the holidays. A gooey side dish with velvety texture and smooth rich flavor.
  • Gouda mac and cheese is a delicious extra creamy twist to the classic mac and cheese recipe. A velvety comfort food recipe with a distinct smoky flavor that is sure to satisfy.
  • Sweet, comforting and crunchy, this Sweet Potato Crunch is irresistible. Creamy sweet potato base with nutty crunchy topping is the perfect treat for the holidays.

More Sausage Recipes

  • Italian Sausage Patties are great for breakfast, lunch or make delicious burger sandwiches for a quick and easy dinner. Italian sausage mixed with fresh herbs and vegetable for a tasty budget friendly recipe.
  • If you're looking for a delightful and colorful appetizer to impress your guests, check out this stuffed mini peppers recipe that will surely be a crowd-pleaser!

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sausage stuffing in a white plate garnished with chopped parsley.

Farro Pilaf Recipe

Farro recipe with Italian sausage and mushroom is a simple wholesome pilaf recipe. A hearty dinner recipe or a side dish for your holiday table.
5 from 12 votes
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Diet: Halal
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 350kcal
Author: Amira

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Italian sausage or use your preferred sausage without casing.
  • 2 Tablespoon olive oil.
  • 1 medium onion chopped.
  • 2 celery ribs washed, dried, chopped.
  • 2 large garlic cloves minced.
  • 2 teaspoon fresh rosemary or ⅔ teaspoon dry
  • 1 pound mushroom sliced
  • 1 ½ cups whole farro washed and rinsed
  • 2-3 cups mushroom broth
  • ½ teaspoon  salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup  fresh chopped parsley
  • ½ cup dried cranberry

Instructions

  • In a large sauce pan, cook sausage until browned breaking the meat up for about 8-10 minutes.
  • Remove sausage from pan and set aside.
  • In the same pan, heat olive oil.
  • Add onions and celery, cook until softened about 4-5 minutes.
  • Add garlic, rosemary and cook until fragrant about 30 seconds.
  • Add mushroom and cook until tender for another 5 minutes.
  • Stir in faro and cook for about 2 minutes.
  • Pour in 2 cups of mushroom stock, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer, cover and cook for about 30-40 minutes until faro is tender. If it did not reach the donness you like, pour the remaining mushroom stock and cook for another 10 minutes.
  • Add sausage back and adjust seasoning.
  • Stir in parsley and cranberry, and turn heat off.

Video

Notes

  • There are mainly 4 types of farro in the market, 10 minutes, pearled, semi-pearled and whole. Personally I prefer the whole even if it takes a little longer to cook. You are welcome to use any type but bear in mind that not all farro are created equal, meaning the less it takes to cook the more processed it is.
  • If you do not know whether you're getting the whole grain or one of the pearled varieties, check out the farro after 15-20 minutes of cooking.
  • In my opinion and experience with farro, I did not need to soak the farro overnight, the difference does not worth it for me. If you soak the farro they will take 10 minutes shorter to cook.
  • Start by adding 2 cups of mushroom stock and cook the farro. Check after 30-35 minutes when all the stock has been absorbed and farro is almost done, if you feel it is still too firm for your liking use the rest of the stock and cook for another 10 minutes.
  • You can use any type of sausage you have, also try it with ground chicken, turkey or beef.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 540mg | Potassium: 467mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 505IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg
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First published Oct 18, 2018. Last updated September 5, 2023 with new recipe, images, step by step instructions and readability.

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About Amira

I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Barbara

    May 13, 2024 at 5:30 pm

    5 stars
    Made it this evening and is absolutely delicious!!!
    I love Farro and I’m only used to having it for breakfast. This dinner was superb…
    My vegetarian friend loved it as well. I didn’t add the meat of course. I’d a keeper.
    I can’t wait to try your Cornish hens dinner this week as well..

    Reply
  2. Lydia

    December 23, 2023 at 3:01 pm

    5 stars
    So very yummy... Had to make a couple of changes based on what I had on hand but wonderful nonetheless. Thanks so much !

    Reply
  3. V

    November 23, 2023 at 9:19 pm

    5 stars
    We did this instead of the traditional bread stuffing for Thanksgiving and it was hit. Everyone liked it, including my 3 year old! Delicious and easy to follow!

    Reply
  4. John

    December 06, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    5 stars
    Loved this recipe so much. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Amira

      December 07, 2020 at 2:11 pm

      Thank you, this is awesome.

      Reply
  5. AbeeY

    November 26, 2020 at 9:58 pm

    5 stars
    Made this tonight for my family and we all loved it. I did not have celery but still turned out great. Thank you so much for yet another phenomenal recipe.

    Reply
    • Amira

      November 30, 2020 at 2:37 pm

      Thanks Abeey, great that it worked for you.

      Reply
  6. John / Kitchen Riffs

    October 28, 2020 at 8:06 am

    Mmm, sausage! Love it in stuffing. Haven't made a farro stuffing -- really nice change. Thanks!

    Reply
  7. Yee

    October 10, 2020 at 2:07 pm

    I have never used farro before. Do I have to soak them first, and for how long please? Thanks and look forward to trying this recipe.

    Reply
    • Amira

      October 19, 2020 at 8:18 pm

      Yee, no you do not need to soak it just a quick rinse and that's it.

      Reply
  8. Layla

    November 06, 2018 at 6:53 pm

    5 stars
    Tested this today for Thanksgiving and it was delicious. We love faro.

    Reply
    • Amira

      November 09, 2018 at 9:32 am

      Layla, Thanks for trying this recipe out. It was actually our first farro experience but I am sure it will not be the last. Happy you liked it.

      Reply
  9. Evelyne

    October 23, 2018 at 12:49 pm

    Oh what a fun stuffing, tasty with the sausage and fun to use farro. Sorry about the garden, snow and watermelons 🙁

    Reply
    • Amira

      October 23, 2018 at 10:00 pm

      It was heart breaking indeed especially for my little one. Anyways, I hope you'll have the chance to try this Eve. it is seriously delicious.

      Reply

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Hey Y'all, I'm Amira.
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I send warm greetings from sunny Colorado. This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean.
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