Spanish Farro Salad with Peas and Bell Peppers Recipe

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Step into the world of savory simplicity with our Vegetarian Spanish Farro Recipe. A medley of nutty farro, fresh peas, and vibrant bell peppers awaits you in this delightful meal. Let’s embark on a journey of flavor and nourishment!

Growing up with Mediterranean influences, Farro was a frequent star in many of our home dishes, including the beloved Farro salad recipe. With its delightful nutty flavor, this nutritious ancient grain often graced our table. My mother would boil it to perfection, drain it, and then enhance its taste with cinnamon and a mix of almonds and walnuts. Occasionally, a drizzle of honey would add a sweetness, making every bite of this vegan farro salad unforgettable.

Ancient grains like Farro stand proudly alongside Freekeh and Wheat Berries in my kitchen. They’re not just nutritious; they’re culinary gems. Inspired by hearty farro soups, this recipe adds spinach, smoky paprika, and a hint of chili. It’s perfect for diverse meals, including a cozy dinner or weekly meal prep. Dive into our flavorful Spanish Farro Salad with Peas and Bell Peppers!

Key Ingredients for Farro Salad Recipe

I love how these simple ingredients combine to create a vibrant and flavorful Spanish Farro Salad. The combination of pearled farro, aromatic spices, and a zesty dressing produces a refreshing, hearty salad. Let’s dive into the key ingredients that make this salad a delightful addition to any meal.

  • Pearled farro is a versatile grain with a nutty, slightly earthy flavor. That adds a rustic element to the overall flavor profile.
  • Seasonings: Combining cumin, chili flakes, dried oregano, ancho chile powder, and smoked paprika adds a bold and smoky depth to the dish.
  • Tomato paste contributes a rich umami and tomatoey note to the dish.
  • Vegetable broth enriches the flavor profile, providing a savory base; try using homemade or organic low-sodium store-bought.
  • Fresh lemon or lime juice brightens the flavors with a touch of acidity.
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro garnish adds a freshness to the dish, complementing the spices and adding a pop of color.

Farro Origins & Nutrition

Farro has carved its legacy as a cherished staple in Mediterranean cuisine, nourishing generations with its hearty flavor.

But what makes Farro genuinely exceptional? It’s not just an ancient grain; it’s a nutritional powerhouse offering many benefits. With fiber, protein, and vital minerals, Farro promises a steady energy release with every delightful bite. If you’re eager to explore the world of MediterraFarrograins, don’t miss our ‘Grains 101’ article—it might even hint at a Farro soup recipe or two!

Cooking Farro: A Quick Guide

  • Prep & Washing: Before diving into your easy Farro recipe, consider that a cup of dry Farro can expand up to 2.5 to 3 times its size. Farro cooked, creating a hearty base for your dish. Begin by rinsing the Farro thoroughly to remove any unwanted particles. This step is about respecting the star of your dish.
  • Cooking Method: In this guide, we skip the traditional soaking and opt for direct Farrong. As your pot simmers gently, reduce the heat, allowing the Farro to cook for approximately 45 minutes. This method allows tFarrorro to absorb the flavors of your onion and bell pepper blend.
  • Flavorful Infusion: Combine your spices with the onions and bell peppers to create a balanced flavor profile. Introduce the Farro to this aromatic mixture, ensuring each grain is coated in a zesty blend. Patience is key as you let it simmer, allowing the Farro to soak in all the deliciousness. Remember, the best results often come from patiently cooking farro side dishes!
  • Add Peas at the End: Add peas at the end of cooking to maintain their bright color and freshness. This isn’t just any Farro recipe; it’s simple and refined, highlighting the unique role of each ingredient. It rivals the quality of top-notch Farro soup recipes and vegan Farro salads. A flat, heavy-bottomed dish is essential for even cooking and prevents the Farro from sticking, resulting in a dish bursting with texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

You were wondering what to pair with this sumptuous Farro salad recipe. Our VegeFarro’sSpanish Farro offers incredible versatility. To brighten the plate, consider complementing it with a zesty Fattoush salad or a creamy yogurt salad and craving more protein. Lamb chops, succulent roasted chicken, or flaky baked halibut seamlessly align with the nutty nuances of this Farro side dish. Each pairing enhances the Farro’s rich and savory profile and crafts a dining experience brimming with varied flavors and textures. Dive into this Farro recipe’s side dish delight and elevate your culinary repertoire with the wholesome allure of ancient grains. Your taste buds are in for a memorable treat!

How to Make Spanish Farro Salad with Peas and Bell Peppers Recipe

Preparation

1.
Heat the olive oil In a large pan over medium heat. Add finely diced onions, sautéing until translucent.
Mark as complete
2.
Incorporate diced red bell pepper, continuing to sauté until it softens, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Introduce the aromatic blend of cumin, ancho chile powder, chili flakes, and dried oregano to the pan, stirring well. Allow the spices to cook and release their flavors for about a minute.
Stir in tomato paste, allowing it to cook with the vegetable and spice mixture for an additional 2 minutes.
Mark as complete
3.
Add the well-rinsed pearled Farro to the pan, ensuring the grains are thoroughly coated with the tomato and spice mixture.
Pour vegetable broth into the pan, bringing the mixture to a boil. Upon boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and allow the mixture to simmer. Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the Farro is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
Mark as complete
4.
Ten minutes before the Farro is fully cooked, add the thawed peas to the mixture, stirring well.
After cooking, taste the dish, adjusting salt and spices as necessary. For an added flavor burst, consider a lemon or lime squeeze
Mark as complete
5.
Serve the dish hot, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Mark as complete

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
1 medium size finely diced onions
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups pearled Farro, rinsed and drained well
3 teaspoons cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoon ancho Chile powder (adjust to taste)
1 1/2 teaspoon pimento smoked paprika
5 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups vegetable broth (for a richer flavor) or water
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
Optional: Squeeze of lemon or lime for brightness
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

1
Heat the olive oil In a large pan over medium heat. Add finely diced onions, sautéing until translucent.
2
Incorporate diced red bell pepper, continuing to sauté until it softens, approximately 3-4 minutes. Introduce the aromatic blend of cumin, ancho chile powder, chili flakes, and dried oregano to the pan, stirring well. Allow the spices to cook and release their flavors for about a minute. Stir in tomato paste, allowing it to cook with the vegetable and spice mixture for an additional 2 minutes.
3
Add the well-rinsed pearled Farro to the pan, ensuring the grains are thoroughly coated with the tomato and spice mixture. Pour vegetable broth into the pan, bringing the mixture to a boil. Upon boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and allow the mixture to simmer. Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the Farro is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
4
Ten minutes before the Farro is fully cooked, add the thawed peas to the mixture, stirring well. After cooking, taste the dish, adjusting salt and spices as necessary. For an added flavor burst, consider a lemon or lime squeeze
5
Serve the dish hot, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh and vibrant finish.

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions:

Storing Leftovers: Allow the Vegetarian Spanish Farro to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Freezing Instructions: This dish freezes well. Once cooled, place the Farro in a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for 2-3 months for best flavor and texture.

Reheating Tips: You can use either the stovetop or microwave if reheated from the refrigerator. On the stovetop, reheat in a covered pot over medium-low heat until warmed, stirring occasionally. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe container and heat at 50% power in 1-minute increments until hot, stirring in between. For frozen Farro, it's advisable to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator for more even reheating. However, if you're in a hurry, you can reheat it directly from frozen; just allow some extra time and stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

rana

By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

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