Ah, cilantro and lime—two ingredients that, when combined, seem to dance a zesty tango on your taste buds. It’s like Mother Nature decided to throw a fiesta in your mouth. I stumbled upon this vegan cilantro lime farro recipe while daydreaming about my last trip to a sun-drenched beach (where I swear I could taste the ocean in the air), and it instantly brought back those vibrant, carefree vibes.
Steps
- Rinse the farro thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities.
- Place the rinsed farro in a medium-sized saucepan and pour in 3 cups of vegetable or chicken stock, ensuring the farro is fully covered.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the farro is tender and chewy.
- Once cooked, drain any excess liquid from the farro.
- Add the zest and juice of one lime to the cooked farro for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Mix in finely chopped fresh cilantro, along with a pinch of salt, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper to taste.
- Stir all the ingredients until well combined, adjusting the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the cilantro lime farro warm as a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional rice dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro, rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped and loosely packed
- Zest and juice of 1 small lime (approximately 2 tablespoons juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of cumin
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Pinch of black pepper
FAQ
- What is farro and why is it a good substitute for rice?
- Farro is an ancient grain that is high in protein, providing 7 grams per dry 1/4 cup, which is even more than quinoa. It has a chewy texture and a nutty flavor, making it an excellent substitute for rice in dishes like risotto and fried rice.
- How do you cook farro for the Cilantro Lime Farro recipe?
- To cook farro, rinse 1 cup of farro and place it in a saucepan with about 3 cups of vegetable or chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium-high heat for approximately 30 minutes until it becomes chewy. Drain any excess stock before adding other ingredients.
- What ingredients are needed for Cilantro Lime Farro?
- The ingredients include 1 cup of rinsed farro, 3 cups of vegetable or chicken stock, 1/3 cup of finely chopped fresh cilantro, the zest and juice of one lime, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Why is Cilantro Lime Farro considered healthier than similar rice dishes?
- Cilantro Lime Farro is considered healthier because farro is rich in protein and provides more nutritional benefits compared to traditional white rice. It also incorporates fresh cilantro and lime, adding flavor without extra calories.
- Can I adjust the seasoning in the Cilantro Lime Farro recipe?
- Yes, you can adjust the seasoning to your taste. After combining all ingredients, feel free to add extra salt and pepper if needed to suit your preference.
Tips
- Rinse the Farro: Make sure to rinse the farro thoroughly before cooking to remove any dust or debris, which can improve the overall taste and texture.
- Use Quality Stock: Opt for a high-quality vegetable or chicken stock, such as Trader Joe’s veggie stock, to enhance the flavor of the farro as it cooks.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Cook the farro until it reaches a chewy texture, usually about 30 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy consistency.
- Adjust Seasonings: After mixing in the lime zest, juice, cilantro, and seasonings, taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper as needed to suit your personal preference.
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Citrus Zester (for zesting the lime)
- Fine Mesh Strainer (for rinsing and draining farro)
