If you’ve ever prepared rice pilaf, chances are you’ve made it from a boxed mix—the slim package filled with dried rice and a sachet of spices (with likely a sprinkling of other, less-natural ingredients). In fact, a pilaf is easy to make from scratch with whole and healthy ingredients, and, more importantly, it will taste better. The method is simple and makes for an easy side or vegetarian dish.
The principle behind a pilaf is to sauté grains and then steam them in a flavorful broth, embellished with aromatics such as garlic, onion, and dried spices. In this recipe, hearty farro is the grain. Farro is an ancient wheat grain (which means that it’s not gluten-free) with a chewy texture and a nutty, earthy flavor. It’s protein- and nutrient-rich, packed with fiber, iron, and magnesium. If you prefer another grain, bulgur or rice are good substitutes. (Note that the cooking times will vary.)
