Warm Farro Greens Pilaf

Featured in: Herb & Grain Bowls

This dish blends nutty farro with tender leafy greens and the crunchy texture of toasted almonds. Slow-simmered in vegetable broth, the farro becomes soft and flavorful. Meanwhile, onions and garlic are gently sautéed before adding fresh greens which are cooked just until wilted. Lemon zest brightens the overall profile, while toasted almonds add a delightful crunch. Optionally enhanced with crumbled feta for a creamy touch, it serves as a comforting main or a vibrant side with ease and speed.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:25:00 GMT
Golden-brown toasted almonds top a warm farro & greens pilaf, ready for serving. Save
Golden-brown toasted almonds top a warm farro & greens pilaf, ready for serving. | birchplate.com

A hearty amp wholesome pilaf featuring nutty farro tender greens and the crunchy richness of toasted almonds. Perfect as a nourishing main or vibrant side dish.

When I first made this pilaf for my family I loved how the toasted almonds added a delicious texture that everyone enjoyed. It has since become our go-to for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • Farro: 1 cup (180 g) rinsed
  • Low-sodium vegetable broth: 2 1/2 cups (600 ml)
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Yellow onion: 1 medium finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Baby spinach kale or chard: 5 oz (140 g) roughly chopped
  • Fresh parsley: 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped
  • Lemon zest: zest of 1 lemon
  • Sliced almonds: 1/3 cup (35 g)
  • Feta cheese: 1/4 cup (25 g) crumbled optional
  • Black pepper: freshly ground to taste
  • Salt: to taste

Instructions

Cook the farro:
In a medium saucepan combine farro and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat cover and simmer for 25&ndash30 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Drain excess liquid if needed.
Toast the almonds:
Meanwhile heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and toast stirring frequently until golden and fragrant (2&ndash3 minutes). Transfer to a small bowl.
Sauté the aromatics:
In the same skillet heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Wilt the greens:
Add chopped greens to the skillet. Cook stirring until just wilted 2&ndash4 minutes.
Combine and season:
Stir in cooked farro parsley and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm through for 1&ndash2 minutes.
Finish and serve:
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and feta (if using). Serve warm.
Vibrant farro & greens pilaf features a medley of flavors, with fluffy farro and fresh herbs. Save
Vibrant farro & greens pilaf features a medley of flavors, with fluffy farro and fresh herbs. | birchplate.com

This pilaf reminds me of family Sunday dinners when everyone gathered around our kitchen for something comforting and nutritious. It is a dish loved by both kids and adults alike.

Required Tools

Medium saucepan with lid large skillet wooden spoon sharp knife and cutting board are all you need to make this simple yet flavorful pilaf.

Allergen Information

This dish contains wheat (farro) tree nuts (almonds) and milk (feta if used). Be sure to check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides about 320 calories 13 g total fat 43 g carbohydrates and 9 g protein making it both filling and wholesome.

This healthy Mediterranean-inspired farro & greens pilaf is a flavorful vegetarian main dish. Save
This healthy Mediterranean-inspired farro & greens pilaf is a flavorful vegetarian main dish. | birchplate.com

Serve this farro amp greens pilaf warm for optimal flavor. Enjoy the nutty crunch of almonds with every bite!

Warm Farro Greens Pilaf

Nutty farro combined with sautéed greens and crunchy toasted almonds creates a satisfying dish.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Created by Elena Hart


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Mediterranean-Inspired

Servings produced 4 Serving Size

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Grains

01 1 cup farro, rinsed
02 2 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

Greens & Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 5 ounces baby spinach, kale, or chard, roughly chopped
05 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
06 Zest of 1 lemon

Nuts & Garnish

01 1/3 cup sliced almonds
02 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
03 Salt, to taste
04 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Cook Farro: In a medium saucepan, combine farro and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until farro is tender and liquid is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.

Step 02

Toast Almonds: While farro cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer toasted almonds to a small bowl and set aside.

Step 03

Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 04

Cook Greens: Add the chopped greens to the skillet. Stir and cook until just wilted, between 2 and 4 minutes.

Step 05

Combine Ingredients: Stir cooked farro into the skillet along with chopped parsley and lemon zest. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Warm the mixture through for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 06

Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted almonds and optional crumbled feta cheese. Serve warm.

Tools Needed

  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Details

Review all components to spot allergies and check with a doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (farro), tree nuts (almonds), and milk (feta, if used).

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference. Please consult your doctor for specifics.
  • Energy (Calories): 320
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Proteins: 9 g