Farro con Verdure Arrosto (Farro with Roasted Vegetables)

Chewy farro makes a satisfying base for this Italian-style grain bowl, giving the dish more texture and nuttiness than a simple pasta or rice salad. Roasted courgette, red pepper, red onion and cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, soft edges and savoury tray juices, while lemon, extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil keep the finish bright. It works well warm, when the grains soak up the dressing, or at room temperature for an easy make-ahead lunch or light dinner. The result is hearty without feeling heavy, with plenty of flexibility for seasonal vegetables and simple herb swaps.
Cuisine style Italian home cooking
Cooking style Meal prep friendly • Make-ahead friendly • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Chewy grains, tender vegetables: Farro keeps a pleasant bite, while the roasted vegetables turn soft, sweet and lightly browned at the edges.
  • Bright, balanced dressing: Lemon zest, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil lift the savoury grains and keep the dish fresh rather than heavy.
  • Good warm or at room temperature: The sturdy grains hold their texture well, making this suitable for packed lunches, relaxed dinners or serving as a side.

Get the most out of this recipe

Texture tips

  • Keep the farro pleasantly chewy: Cook the farro until tender but not soft; it should still have a little resistance when bitten.
  • Drain thoroughly: Let the farro drain well before dressing so the lemon and olive oil coat the grains instead of becoming diluted.
  • Give the vegetables room: Spread the vegetables in an even layer on the tray so they roast and brown rather than steam.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose firm courgettes: Firm courgettes hold their shape better during roasting and avoid making the finished bowl watery.
  • Use ripe cherry tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes blister and release sweet tray juices, which help season the farro.
  • Use good olive oil: Because the dressing is simple, a good extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference to the final flavour.

Make-ahead tips

  • Works well for meal prep: Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently: Warm in a saucepan with a small splash of water, or serve at room temperature for the best texture.
  • Add basil late if possible: For the freshest flavour and colour, tear in the basil shortly before serving.

Serving ideas

  • Serve as a side: Pair with grilled fish, roast chicken or simple bean dishes for a fuller meal.
  • Add a finishing topping: A little crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts or extra herbs can make it more substantial.
  • Serve warm or room temperature: Letting the grains sit briefly after dressing helps the flavours settle before serving.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Heat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Bring a large pot of well-salted water to the boil for the farro.
  2. Cut the courgette and red pepper into bite-sized pieces, and cut the red onion into wedges. Tip them onto a baking tray with the cherry tomatoes, then add 30 ml of the olive oil, the garlic, 0.5 tsp of the fine sea salt and the black pepper; toss to coat.
  3. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once, until the vegetables are tender and nicely browned at the edges and the tomatoes have blistered.
  4. Meanwhile, cook the farro in the boiling water for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender with a pleasant chew. Drain well in a colander and tip into a mixing bowl.
  5. Finely grate the lemon zest into the bowl, then squeeze in the juice. Whisk in the remaining 30 ml olive oil and the remaining 1 tsp fine sea salt.
  6. Add the hot roasted vegetables (and any tray juices) to the farro and toss well. Tear in the fresh basil, taste, and adjust with a pinch more fine sea salt if needed; serve warm or at room temperature.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best texture, drain the farro thoroughly, then toss it with the dressing while it is still warm so it absorbs the lemon and olive oil.
  • If your basil looks delicate, stir it through right before serving to keep it bright and fragrant.

Substitutions

  • Replace Fresh basil with Fresh parsley for a more peppery, green finish.
  • Replace Lemon with Lime for a sharper, more aromatic citrus dressing.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Serve at room temperature, or reheat gently in a saucepan with a small splash of water until warmed through.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 3 servings
  • Total time: 45min (15min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Allergens:
    Gluten Wheat
Beginner friendly Kid friendly

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