Out of Farro, one case
Pearled farro substitutes
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Regular farro
Same amount as the farro
The best substitutes for pearled farro are regular farro, barley, brown rice, or quinoa. Use a 1:1 ratio and adjust cooking time based on the substitute chosen.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- soups
One casethe full farro card
Why it works
FarroThese grains provide similar functionality to pearled farro in cooking applications. They offer chewy texture, nutty flavor, and can be used in the same types of dishes.
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of farro | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Regular farrosoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Barleysoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Brown ricepilafs | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Quinoasalads | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Wheat berriessoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Freekehsoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Regular farro
similar taste and texture
Whole farro with similar flavor but longer cooking time than pearled farro
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, pilafs
- Cooking time
- 45-60 minutes
Similar flavor to pearled farro but takes longer to cook. Soak overnight for faster cooking.
Barley
similar taste and texture
Whole grain with similar nutty flavor and chewy texture to pearled farro
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, pilafs
- Cooking time
- 25-30 minutes
Similar texture and flavor to pearled farro. Great for hearty dishes.
Brown rice
similar taste, different texture
Whole grain rice with similar nutty flavor and good texture
- Best for
- pilafs, salads, soups, side dishes
- Cooking time
- 45-50 minutes
Similar nutty flavor to pearled farro but different texture. Takes longer to cook.
Quinoa
different taste and texture
Protein-rich grain with different flavor but similar texture to pearled farro
- Best for
- salads, pilafs, soups, side dishes
- Cooking time
- 15-20 minutes
Different flavor than pearled farro but similar texture. Rinse before cooking.
Wheat berries
similar taste and texture
Whole wheat kernels with similar texture and nutty flavor to pearled farro
- Best for
- soups, salads, pilafs, side dishes
- Cooking time
- 45-60 minutes
Similar texture and flavor to pearled farro. Takes longer to cook.
Freekeh
different taste, similar texture
Roasted green wheat with similar texture and smoky flavor
- Best for
- soups, salads, pilafs, side dishes
- Cooking time
- 25-30 minutes
Similar texture with smoky flavor. Great for Mediterranean-style dishes.
How it behaves in this recipe
When substituting grains for pearled farro, consider the texture and flavor you want. Barley and wheat berries work well for similar texture, while brown rice provides similar flavor.
Tips for substituting farro
5 tips- Pearled farro cooks faster than regular farro due to processing
- Use a 1:2 ratio of grain to liquid for cooking
- Let grains rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking for better texture
- Store uncooked grains in airtight containers
- Soak regular farro overnight for faster cooking
Questions
5 questionsWhat is the difference between pearled and regular farro?
Pearled farro has been processed to remove the outer bran layer, making it cook faster than regular farro. Regular farro takes longer to cook but has more fiber and nutrients.
Can I use regular farro instead of pearled farro?
Yes, regular farro can substitute for pearled farro. It has similar flavor but takes longer to cook. Soak it overnight for faster cooking.
What is the best substitute for pearled farro?
Barley is often considered the best substitute for pearled farro because it has similar nutty flavor and chewy texture, and cooks in about the same time.
Can I use brown rice instead of pearled farro?
Yes, brown rice can substitute for pearled farro. It has similar nutty flavor and nutritional benefits, though it has a different texture and takes longer to cook.
How do I cook pearled farro substitutes?
Most pearled farro substitutes follow similar cooking methods: use a 1:2 ratio of grain to liquid and cook until tender. Adjust cooking time based on the specific grain chosen.