Risotto-Style Farro Bowl with Roasted Zucchini and Asparagus

Farro, an ancient grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture, is the star of this hearty bowl. Cooked risotto-style with vegetable stock, it becomes creamy and satisfying. Paired with roasted zucchini and asparagus, bright lemon, crunchy walnuts, and Parmesan, this dish is a celebration of green vegetables and wholesome grains.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. The farro is simmered until tender, then finished with butter, lemon zest, and Parmesan. Roasted asparagus tips and zucchini add color and flavor, while walnuts provide a delightful crunch. Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh finish.

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Ingredients

0.75 cup FarroView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Veggie Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 ounce AsparagusView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Yellow OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 ounce WalnutsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 450°F. In a medium pot, combine farro, stock concentrates, and 3½ cups water (6 cups for 4 servings). Bring to a boil and cook until farro is tender, 25–30 minutes. If excess stock remains, pour it off; if stock evaporates before farro is done, add a splash of water.
2. Meanwhile, wash and dry all produce. Trim and discard woody ends from asparagus. Cut off tips and set aside; chop stalks into ½-inch pieces. Trim and thinly slice zucchini into rounds. Peel and mince or grate garlic. Halve, peel, and finely dice onion. Zest and halve lemon; cut one half into wedges.
3. Toss asparagus tips, zucchini, and a drizzle of olive oil on a baking sheet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Roast, tossing halfway, until browned and tender, 15–20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent, 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
5. When farro has 5 minutes left (grains should be just shy of al dente), stir chopped asparagus stalks into pot. Drain once everything is tender, then add to pan with onion and garlic. Stir in half the lemon zest, juice from lemon half, half the Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon butter (2 tablespoons for 4 servings). Season with salt and pepper.
6. Divide farro mixture between bowls. Top with zucchini and asparagus tips. Sprinkle with walnuts and remaining Parmesan and lemon zest. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Medium Pot

Cuisinart 1.5 Quart Sauce Pan with Cover, Stainless Steel Pot with Lid, Small Kitchen Pots, Dishwasher Safe, Compatible with Induction, Electric, Gas Cooktops, Oven Safe Saucepan, Cool Grip HandlesView on AmazonSENSARTE Nonstick Saucepan with Lid, 1.5 Quarts Small Pot with Swiss Granite Coating, Stay-cool Handle, Multipurpose Handy Sauce Pot Small Kitchen Cooking Pot, Induction Comptable, PFOA FreeView on AmazonCAROTE 8QT Full Clad Tri Ply Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid, Kitchen Soup Pot, All Stoves Compatible, Oven & Dishwasher Safe, Stay Cool Handle, White, Mothers Day GiftsView on Amazon

Zester

Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater - Parmesan Cheese Lemon, Garlic, Nutmeg, Chocolate, Fruits, Vegetables, Ginger Grater - Cheese Shredder & Stainless Steel GraterView on AmazonMicroplane Premium Classic Series Zester 18/8, Black - Lemon Zester & Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater - Citrus, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Ginger, Nutmeg, Chocolate - Stainless Steel GraterView on AmazonOXO Good Grips Etched Zester and GraterView on Amazon

Baking Sheet

GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Baking Sheet Set, 3 Pack Includes Small (13×9) Medium (15×1) and Large (17×11) Pans Carbon Steel Construction Cookie Sheets Bakeware Set, GrayView on AmazonNutriChef 3-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans - Premium & Stylish Non-Stick Steel, Commercial Grade Restaurant Quality Metal Bakeware with Red Silicone Handles - Easy to Clean, NCSBS3SView on AmazonNordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet - USA Made Aluminum Commercial Quality Sheet Pan for Baking or Roasting, Encapsulated Galvanized Steel Rim Prevents Warping, 2-PackView on Amazon

Large Pan

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on AmazonFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker Chef's Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, Kitchen Cookware, 6-Quart, BlackView on AmazonSNOWCLAD Frying Pans Nonstick with Lid,Hybrid Non Stick 5 Quart Saute pan,PFOA Free Cookware,Stainless Steel skillet,12 inch Deep Saute Pan,Dishwasher&Oven Safe,Works on All CooktopsView on Amazon

Strainer

Cuisinart, Mesh Strainers, Stainless Steel Mesh Strainers for Kitchen, Fine Mesh Kitchen Strainer Set for Sifting, Straining and Cooking, Ctg-00-3Ms, 3 CountView on Amazon3Pcs Super Wire Extra Fine Mesh Strainer with Handle, Small Medium Large Size Sifter Metal Strainer Set, Stainless Steel Sieve Fine Mesh Strainers for Kitchen Rice Juice Quinoa Food Flour Baking YLYLView on AmazonWinco Strainer with Single Fine Mesh, 8-Inch Diameter, Medium, Stainless Steel, Tan,SilverView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different grain instead of farro?

Yes, you can substitute farro with barley, spelt, or brown rice, but cooking times may vary.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, omit the Parmesan and butter, and use a vegan butter substitute or additional olive oil. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.