If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Farro with Wild Mushrooms Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together nutty farro and earthy wild mushrooms in a creamy, comforting blend that is perfect as a hearty main or a sublime side. This recipe lovingly combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create a stunningly flavorful dish that’s rustic yet refined, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one has an indispensable role in crafting the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors in this dish. From the rich, meaty mushrooms to the creamy crème fraîche and nutty farro, every element contributes to an unforgettable experience.
- ½ ounce dried porcini mushrooms: Adds deep, intense mushroom flavor that elevates the dish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Essential for sautéing and bringing everything together with a silky finish.
- 10 cremini mushroom caps, diced: Provides a fresh, earthy complement with a meaty texture.
- Salt, to taste: Balances and enhances all the flavors naturally.
- ½ onion, diced small: Builds sweetness and depth as it caramelizes gently.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and a little savory punch.
- 1 cup pearled farro, rinsed: Offers a chewy, nutty base that soaks up all those mushroomy juices beautifully.
- 3 cups chicken stock, divided: Infuses the farro with rich savory goodness while cooking.
- 2 tbsp crème fraîche: Introduces luscious creaminess and a slight tang that brightens the dish.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley: Brings a fresh, green note to lighten the richness.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Provides just a touch of heat and complexity.
- 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese: Rounds out the flavor with savory, nutty, umami richness.
How to Make Farro with Wild Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Porcini Mushrooms
Begin by placing the dried porcini mushrooms in a bowl and covering them with warm water. Let them soak for 20 to 30 minutes until they rehydrate and become tender. Once soaked, drain them well and chop into small pieces. This step unlocks that deep, woody mushroom umami that will infuse the entire dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Cremini Mushrooms
Heat your olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add the diced cremini mushrooms with a pinch of salt. Sauté these until they are golden brown and have lost their moisture, which usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. This caramelization is key to developing the rich mushroom flavor that makes this Farro with Wild Mushrooms Recipe stand out.
Step 3: Add the Porcini Mushrooms
Next, stir in the chopped porcini mushrooms. Reduce the heat to medium and cook everything together for an additional 2 to 4 minutes. This melds the flavors and helps those glorious porcini notes permeate the mixture.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Add the diced onion to your pot and let it sauté until it turns golden, around 5 to 7 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic, cooking for just another minute until the kitchen fills with that irresistible garlicky aroma. These aromatics provide a sweet and savory foundation to the dish.
Step 5: Cook the Farro
Now, stir your rinsed pearled farro into the pot, making sure each grain is thoroughly coated with olive oil and mingling with the mushroom mixture. Pour in 1 cup of chicken stock along with a pinch of salt, then bring it all to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and allow the farro to simmer until the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Add Remaining Stock
Once the first cup of stock has been absorbed, stir in the remaining 2 cups. Bring the pot back to a boil, then lower the heat again, cover, and let everything simmer for 15 minutes. Afterward, uncover the pot and continue simmering for another 15 minutes, until the farro is tender and has soaked up all the flavorful liquid.
Step 7: Finish the Dish
Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the crème fraîche, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Then fold in the freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until the whole dish becomes luxuriously creamy and cohesive. These finishing touches provide richness, freshness, and that irresistible umami kick.
Step 8: Serve Your Farro with Wild Mushrooms
Spoon the farro and mushroom mixture onto warm serving plates and dig in while it’s still cozy and comforting. This is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and happy sighs.
How to Serve Farro with Wild Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a classic go-to, bringing a bright pop of color and an herbal freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. For an indulgent twist, sprinkle a bit more Parmigiano-Reggiano on top right before serving. If you love a little heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can add an exciting edge without overpowering the earthy mushrooms.
Side Dishes
This Farro with Wild Mushrooms Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple green vegetables like sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus, or a crisp arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil. For a heartier meal, roasted chicken or grilled steak complement the nutty, mushroom-laden farro beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this dish in rustic bowls to emphasize its earthy charm, or pile it neatly on a platter for a more elegant, family-style presentation. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens can add a surprising and delightful splash of color, making the experience even more special for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors develop even more overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal that’s quick to reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze the farro with wild mushrooms for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Reheating
Reheat on low heat in a covered pan, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken stock or water if it feels dry. This helps bring back creaminess and prevents the farro from sticking. The flavors remain beautifully vibrant even the next day.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Absolutely! Vegetable stock will keep the dish vegetarian-friendly and still provide a rich, flavorful base, though the taste may be slightly lighter compared to chicken stock.
What if I can’t find dried porcini mushrooms?
Dried porcini add a special depth of flavor, but you can substitute with extra fresh cremini or shiitake mushrooms. Just know that the earthy intensity won’t be quite as pronounced without the porcini.
Is pearled farro the only type to use?
Pearled farro cooks faster and has a tender chew, making it ideal here. Whole farro can be used but will need a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Replace chicken stock with vegetable stock, omit the crème fraîche or substitute with a plant-based cream, and use a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for that signature umami kick.
How long does it take to cook farro?
For pearled farro, this recipe takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to cook until tender, as detailed in the simmering steps of the recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly soulful about this Farro with Wild Mushrooms Recipe that keeps me coming back to it time and again. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the luscious flavors of mushrooms combined with a hearty grain in a creamy, comforting dish that’s surprisingly easy to pull off. I wholeheartedly encourage you to make this recipe, savor each bite, and share it with the people you love—it’s the kind of meal that warms both stomach and heart.
Print
Farro with Wild Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and earthy Farro with Wild Mushrooms recipe featuring a medley of cremini and porcini mushrooms simmered with tender pearled farro in savory chicken stock, finished with creamy crème fraîche, fresh parsley, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. This comforting dish makes for a perfect side or main course, combining nutty grains and rich mushroom flavors in a simple stovetop preparation.
Ingredients
For the Dish:
- ½ ounce dried porcini mushrooms
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 10 cremini mushroom caps, diced
- Salt, to taste
- ½ onion, diced small
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pearled farro, rinsed (or more to taste)
- 3 cups chicken stock, divided
- 2 tbsp crème fraîche
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (or to taste)
Instructions
- Soak the Porcini Mushrooms: Place the dried porcini mushrooms in a bowl and cover with warm water. Let soak for 20 to 30 minutes until reconstituted. Drain and chop the mushrooms.
- Sauté the Cremini Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced cremini mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Sauté until golden and their moisture has cooked off, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add the Porcini Mushrooms: Stir in chopped porcini mushrooms. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 2-4 minutes.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add diced onion to the pot and sauté until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Farro: Stir farro into the pot, coating it with olive oil. Add 1 cup of chicken stock, pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
- Add Remaining Stock: Stir in the remaining 2 cups of chicken stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, uncover and continue simmering for an additional 15 minutes until farro is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the Dish: Reduce heat to low. Stir in crème fraîche, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir in Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until fully incorporated.
- Serve: Spoon the farro and mushroom mixture onto serving plates and enjoy!
Notes
- Soaking the dried porcini mushrooms rehydrates them and intensifies their flavor, making them a key ingredient for a robust mushroom taste.
- Use pearled farro for quicker cooking; if using whole farro, adjust cooking times accordingly.
- You can substitute vegetable stock if you prefer a vegetarian option, but the original recipe calls for chicken stock.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end to suit your taste.
- For a vegan version, omit crème fraîche and cheese or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
