Italian Farro Grain Bowl with Roasted Vegetables and Pesto
Why this recipe works
- Chewy, tender, crisp-edged: Farro keeps a pleasant bite, while the roasted vegetables soften inside and brown at the edges.
- Bright finish: Lemon zest and juice cut through the olive oil and pesto, keeping the bowl fresh rather than heavy.
- Holds well: The grains and roasted vegetables can be stored ahead, then finished with dressing and pesto just before serving.
Get the most out of this recipe
Ingredient notes
- Choose farro for chew: Farro is ideal here because it stays distinct and slightly nutty after boiling, rather than turning soft or sticky.
- Use a punchy pesto: A good basil pesto provides most of the final seasoning, so choose one with clear basil, cheese and olive oil flavour.
- Adjust the lemon at the end: Taste after adding the pesto; if the bowl feels too rich, add a little more lemon juice to sharpen the finish.
Texture tips
- Drain the farro well: Letting the cooked farro steam-dry briefly in the warm pan helps prevent a watery dressing.
- Give the vegetables space: Spread the vegetables in a single layer so they roast and brown rather than steaming on the tray.
- Dress just before serving: Adding the lemon dressing and pesto at the end keeps the grains lively and the vegetables from softening too much.
Make-ahead tips
- Store components separately: Keep the farro and roasted vegetables together, but store the lemon dressing and pesto separately for the best texture.
- Reheat gently: Warm the grains and vegetables in a 180°C (355°F) oven until heated through, then add the dressing and pesto.
- Good for lunch prep: The cooked components keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making this bowl practical for planned lunches.
Ingredient swaps
- For a gluten-free bowl: Swap the farro for quinoa, which gives a lighter texture while still working well with roasted vegetables and pesto.
- Change the herb profile: Herbes de Provence can replace dried oregano for a more floral, southern French-style flavour.
- Vary the pesto: Use another pesto if preferred, keeping in mind that different versions may change the saltiness, acidity and herb intensity.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Rinse the farro, then bring a saucepan of water to the boil and season it with 1 tsp of the fine sea salt.
- Add the farro and boil for 25 to 30 minutes until tender with a slight chew. Drain well in a colander and return it to the warm pan to steam-dry for 1 minute.
- Meanwhile, cut the aubergine, courgette and red pepper into bite-sized pieces. Crush the garlic, then toss the vegetables with the garlic, dried oregano, 2 tbsp of the extra virgin olive oil, 0.5 tsp of the remaining salt, and the black pepper (if using).
- Spread the vegetables on a baking tray in a single layer. Roast for 18 to 22 minutes, turning once, until browned at the edges and tender.
- Finely grate the lemon zest into a mixing bowl, then squeeze in the juice. Whisk in the remaining 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of the remaining salt to make a bright dressing.
- Divide the farro between two bowls and spoon over the roasted vegetables. Drizzle with the lemon dressing and finish each bowl with a generous spoonful of basil pesto.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For deeper flavour, let the roasted vegetables sit on the tray for 2 minutes before serving so the edges stay nicely browned.
- If serving later, keep the lemon dressing separate and toss it through just before eating to keep the grains lively.
- Food safety note: if serving to vulnerable groups, choose a basil pesto made with pasteurised dairy and handle it as a chilled product.
Substitutions
- Replace Farro with Quinoa for a gluten-free grain bowl.
- Replace Dried oregano with Herbes de Provence for a slightly more floral, herb-forward roast.
- Replace Basil pesto with Pesto for a similar basil and cheese finish with a slightly different balance.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Store the farro and roasted vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the basil pesto and lemon dressing separate if possible; reheat the grains and vegetables in a 180°C (355°F) oven for 10 to 12 minutes, then add the dressing and pesto just before serving.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 bowls
- Total time: 55min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Italian
-
Allergens:
Gluten
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