June 29, 2026 · 40 min

Risotto-Style Farro Bowls with Roasted Zucchini and Asparagus

Lunch40 min747 cal / serving

Farro, an ancient grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture, takes center stage in this satisfying bowl. Cooked risotto-style with stock, it becomes creamy and rich, while roasted zucchini and asparagus add a fresh, caramelized contrast. A squeeze of lemon, crunchy walnuts and a sprinkle of Parmesan tie everything together.

This dish is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner or meal prep. The combination of tender farro, vibrant green vegetables and savory Parmesan will make it a new favorite. Plus, it comes together in under an hour with simple ingredients.


Recipe details

Lunch40 min747 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories747 kcalProtein20.6 gFat38.6 gCarbs77.2 gSugar24.5 gFiber5.6 gSodium9287 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: containsSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Farro0.75 cup FarroView ingredient guide
Asparagus8 ounce AsparagusView ingredient guide
Zucchini1 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guide
Garlic2 clove GarlicView ingredient guide
Yellow Onion1 unit Yellow OnionView ingredient guide
Lemon Juice2 pack Lemon JuiceView ingredient guide
Parmesan Cheese0.25 cup Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guide
Walnuts1 ounce WalnutsView ingredient guide
Olive Oil1 tablespoon Olive OilView ingredient guide
Butter1 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guide
SaltSaltView ingredient guide
PepperPepperView ingredient guide

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. Bring to a boil, then cook until farro is tender, 25-30 minutes. If water evaporates before farro is done, add a splash more.
  2. Meanwhile, wash and dry all produce. Trim and discard woody ends of asparagus. Cut off tips and set aside; chop stalks into ½-inch pieces. Slice zucchini into thin rounds. Mince or grate garlic. Halve, peel and finely dice onion.
  3. On a baking sheet, toss asparagus tips and zucchini rounds with a drizzle of olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Roast until nicely browned, 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through.
  4. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, tossing frequently, until soft and translucent, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. About 5 minutes before farro is done, stir asparagus stalk pieces into the pot with farro. Drain once both are tender, then add to the pan with onion and garlic. Stir in lemon juice to taste, half the Parmesan and 1 tablespoon butter. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Divide farro mixture between bowls. Top with roasted zucchini and asparagus tips. Sprinkle with walnuts and remaining Parmesan.

Recipe Tips

For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of pasta water or additional stock at the end.

Toast the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.

Feel free to swap asparagus for green beans or broccoli if desired.

FAQ

Can I use a different grain instead of farro?

Yes, you can substitute farro with barley, spelt or brown rice. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

Is this recipe vegan?

It can be made vegan by omitting the Parmesan and butter or using vegan alternatives. The flavor will still be delicious.

DandyRecipes community

Rate and discuss this recipe

Your rating and comments help other DandyRecipes readers decide what to cook next.

Your recipe vote

No DandyRecipes user votes yet.

Recipe comments

0 DandyRecipes comments

No DandyRecipes comments yet.

More recipe ideas

12 similar recipes you might like

These suggestions are based on shared ingredients, meal type, and recipe metadata.