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For any of you who might be obsessed with Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice, I have been gotten hooked lately on a healthier, protein-rich, ancient-grain version that I think you might like:
Cilantro Lime Farro!
Have you tried farro yet? I was introduced to it last year, and wondered where it had been all my life! Well, supposedly it’s about 8,000 years old, so I guess I’m the one late to the party.
Farro is a fantastic substitute for rice in all kinds of dishes, especially risotto and fried rice. It’s super rich in protein (7 grams per dry 1/4 cup — higher than quinoa!). It’s wonderfully chewy with a nice nutty flavor. It’s really simple to make. And it pairs perfectly with fresh cilantro and lime in this recipe.
Check it!
BOOM.
(Some days I may have a little too much fun with my macro lens.)
I just realized this really does look a lot like my favorite fried rice recipe. I must give the farro version a try sometime soon.
Back to the cilantro lime farro recipe. Here’s how to make it:
First, begin by rinsing your farro. (Note that I made a double batch for these photos, if the portions seem large.)
Add 1 cup of farro to a saucepan along with about 3 cups of vegetable or chicken stock. (I love Trader Joe’s veggie stock best!) Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer over medium-high heat for about 30 minutes or until nice and chewy. Then drain off the extra stock.
Add the zest and juice of one lime.
Along with some fresh cilantro and a few seasonings.
Then stir until it is all combined. And serve!
So much more flavorful than the rice version from Chipotle, and better for you as well. Farro for the win!
This cilantro lime farro recipe is a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional rice.
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup farro, rinsed
3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
1/3 cup finely-chopped fresh cilantro leaves, loosely-packed
zest and juice of 1 small lime (about 2 tablespoons juice)
1/2 teaspoon salt
pinch of cumin and garlic powder and black pepper
Instructions
Place farro in a medium saucepan and add the stock. (It should cover the farro.) Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes. Once the farro is cooked and chewy, drain off any excess liquid.
Add remaining ingredients, and stir to combine. Season with extra salt and pepper, if needed. Serve warm.
I think this is going to be dinner tonight served with a fried egg on top and a salad with salsa and sour cream for the dressing. Yum!
PS- more farro recipes please! I bought a 5 lb bag from costco and other than using it for pasta salad-like salads I’m not sure what to DO with it, my husband thinks it’s eh and only good with mushrooms and goat cheese.
We enjoy exploring ancient grains, and this recipe is right up our alley. Looking forward to trying it with Ropa Vieja and Curtido. Oh man!Thank you, thank you.
This recipe comes at a perfect time for me – I just bought a big bag of farro at Costco yesterday, and I’ve been wondering what to make with it. This is it! Thanks, Ali :)
First I want to tell you that I LOVE your recipes and my family couldn’t be happier that I discovered your site. I have twin 6 year old daughters and a foodie husband. They all love every recipe I have made from your collection! And this was no exception. Thank you Ali.
Hayley @ Gimme Some Oven —
Thanks Melissa, that makes us so happy! Thank you for being such fans! :)
Sorry if this is a dense question, but in the photos section it says 3 cups of stock per 1 cup of farro, but in the recipe text section it says 6 cups of stock for 1 cup of farro. 6 seems like a lot… should I use 3 cups?
Amazing recipe… just made it so yummy. I think the proportion of chicken stock could be little off! I made two cups of farro and used 3 cups of stock which completely covered it. I think it might be a lot for only one cup of farro!
This Farro dish was awesome! I have only tried one other farro recipe and was looking for more and this one is definitely a keeper. We did add some jalapeno black beans which amped up the flavor and protein. Thanks for sharing!
This simple recipe is soooo delicious! I’m making it again tonight, I loved it so much!! Thx Ali for your Blogs. Just found you a couple wks. ago trying to find recipes for Farro which I’m new to as well. (YUMMMM!) There are tons of recipes for Farro! The lime is perfect in the Farro – wow – what flavor! I’ve been plant based for quite a few years now & love it! You are so lucky to be living in Spain – how Wonderful. Wishing you two the Best!
This works great with fish like salmon or tuna steaks. This brings a bright and flavorful side to the plate along with some fresh fruit. The extra protein from the farro is great along with being a whole grain. Love this dish and have made it several times.
Oh my, this looks amazing! Can’t believe I have never even heard of farro before! I will definitely be trying this out at the weekend!
I’ve never tried Farro, but am now inspired to try it!
Thanks for the introduction.
I love farro! This sounds like a great flavor for it. Must try!
I bet the texture of farro works really well in this dish. What a great idea!
I LOVE farro, this recipe sounds sublime!
I think this is going to be dinner tonight served with a fried egg on top and a salad with salsa and sour cream for the dressing. Yum!
PS- more farro recipes please! I bought a 5 lb bag from costco and other than using it for pasta salad-like salads I’m not sure what to DO with it, my husband thinks it’s eh and only good with mushrooms and goat cheese.
I LOVE Farro! Super excited to try this! TJ’s has a ten minute quick cooking farro for when the craving really strikes!
I have never cooked with farro, but have been wanting to…now I have a great recipe to try it out with! Thanks :)
We enjoy exploring ancient grains, and this recipe is right up our alley. Looking forward to trying it with Ropa Vieja and Curtido. Oh man!Thank you, thank you.
This recipe comes at a perfect time for me – I just bought a big bag of farro at Costco yesterday, and I’ve been wondering what to make with it. This is it! Thanks, Ali :)
This sounds perfect for a Cinco de Mayo side dish!
Love this! Amazingly delicious!
I’m game. I’ll give it a try. You haven’t let me down yet :)
I will be making this soon! I wasn’t sure if I’d like farro, but I had it recently and loved it. Thanks so much for this great recipe!
First I want to tell you that I LOVE your recipes and my family couldn’t be happier that I discovered your site. I have twin 6 year old daughters and a foodie husband. They all love every recipe I have made from your collection! And this was no exception. Thank you Ali.
Thanks Melissa, that makes us so happy! Thank you for being such fans! :)
Sorry if this is a dense question, but in the photos section it says 3 cups of stock per 1 cup of farro, but in the recipe text section it says 6 cups of stock for 1 cup of farro. 6 seems like a lot… should I use 3 cups?
Thanks :)
Oops, major typo, that should be just 3 cups of stock. Thanks for catching that! :)
This had way to much lime flavor for my tastes. It would’ve been really good with just a bit less lime.
Thanks for your feedback Sarah, we’re sorry you found it too heavy on the lime!
This looks & sounds amazing – trying this tonight :) Thanks for a delicious faro dish
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, definitely! We hope you enjoy!
Amazing recipe… just made it so yummy. I think the proportion of chicken stock could be little off! I made two cups of farro and used 3 cups of stock which completely covered it. I think it might be a lot for only one cup of farro!
Awesome, so happy to hear it!!
This Farro dish was awesome! I have only tried one other farro recipe and was looking for more and this one is definitely a keeper. We did add some jalapeno black beans which amped up the flavor and protein. Thanks for sharing!
This simple recipe is soooo delicious! I’m making it again tonight, I loved it so much!! Thx Ali for your Blogs. Just found you a couple wks. ago trying to find recipes for Farro which I’m new to as well. (YUMMMM!) There are tons of recipes for Farro! The lime is perfect in the Farro – wow – what flavor! I’ve been plant based for quite a few years now & love it! You are so lucky to be living in Spain – how Wonderful. Wishing you two the Best!
This works great with fish like salmon or tuna steaks. This brings a bright and flavorful side to the plate along with some fresh fruit. The extra protein from the farro is great along with being a whole grain. Love this dish and have made it several times.
Best Cilantro -lime anything I’ve ever made!
Thank you for a great recipe