(Note: this post was originally published on October 30, 2022. It has since been updated with a few tweaks.)
Are you excited for another turmeric recipe? This fragrant, anti-inflammatory golden spice is a nutritional powerhouse with a stunning color. I try to work turmeric into my diet at least a few times a week, so I'm always experimenting with new ways to use it. One of my favorites is this farro risotto (a.k.a. "farrotto"), which is inspired by Golden Milk. It has many of the same ingredients and flavors as Golden Milk, albeit with a more savory spin.
This turmeric "risotto" is perfectly balanced. On the flavor front, there's a nice balance between delicate sweetness, lots of warming spices, and a gentle heat . There's also a nice contrast between decadent flavors and fresh flavors. Texture-wise, the chewy farro is perfectly complemented by creamy coconut milk and crunchy cashews. It's a dish I come back to again and again, and I hope you will too.
Are you a turmeric lover like I am? The first turmeric-focused recipe on my blog was this caramelized lemon turmeric sauce; it's pure magic on roasted veggies. More recently I've done this turmeric tahini sauce (we put it on EVERYTHING!), my favorite creamy vegan turmeric pasta, and this surprising turmeric granola. I even like to use turmeric as a food coloring in sweet recipes, like these adorable unicorn cheesecake bites.
Farro is an ancient whole grain from the wheat family. It's my all-time favorite grain because it's easy to cook, is delightfully chewy, has a subtle nutty taste, and soaks up flavor better than other grains without getting soggy. It also keeps well in the fridge for at least several days, so it's a great option for busy weeknights; just make a big batch of this turmeric farro and use it for the next few evenings. Farro even has great fiber and some protein, making it exceptionally satisfying.
Interested in other farro recipes? If you're looking for something light and summery, this grilled peach and farro salad is delightful at the height of stone fruit season. If you want an easy weeknight option, this confetti farro salad can accommodate whatever veggies you have on-hand. If you're looking for big flavor, this roasted cauliflower and farro salad is phenomenal.
Like the name implies, "farrotto" is a (non-traditional) version of risotto made with farro instead of rice. It's higher in protein and fiber than traditional risotto, plus it has a delightfully chewy texture. Although cooking methods vary, you'll see that this recipe instructs you to partially pre-cook the farro before adding it to a fragrant coconut, turmeric, and ginger broth to finish tenderizing. While some risotto recipes get their creaminess from dairy, this vegan farrotto relies on coconut milk for its decadent texture.
Although turmeric has been enjoyed in some cultures for centuries, it has only recently become trendy in the western world. It has many health benefits but is most often touted for its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric generally comes in two forms: powdered (like any powdered spice) and fresh (as a root). Although fresh turmeric is a fabulous treat, I suggest using powdered turmeric in this recipe so that it will dissolve into the creamy vegan farrotto broth more evenly.
Turmeric has a unique flavor that is hard to describe. It's earthy and has some tropical notes, and overall is somewhat similar to saffron. It's also a bit of an acquired taste. Therefore, if you're new to turmeric, I suggest starting with less than what the recipe calls for and working your way up; that goes for this turmeric farro recipe in particular and any other recipe. If you're still feeling skeptical, try this turmeric tahini sauce first because you can taste it and adjust as you go.
This is a versatile dish that I find myself coming back to again and again. Because farro is so hearty (and has some protein too!), this vegan farrotto can easily serve as a main course. Feel free to top it with crispy roasted chickpeas for even more protein. It's also a wonderful side, especially accompanying dishes with a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
As written, this recipe will serve 2-3 people as a main dish and twice that or more as a side. If you have a large enough skillet, you can double the recipe. It keeps great in the fridge for a few days, so don't hesitate to make enough so that you have leftovers; they're perfect for a busy week. If you reheat leftovers, add another dash of coconut milk to help bring everything back together and make the farro creamy again.
If you're intentionally making this turmeric "risotto" ahead (versus saving leftovers), it will work best if you keep the garnishes off until reheating. Add them just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Here's what you'll need for this turmeric risotto recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
Finally, I want to say a big thank you to my husband Dave for suggesting this recipe. A couple years ago we were on a long (very long! very steep!) hike on Kaua'i, discussing our love for turmeric and in particular Golden Milk. We were brainstorming recipes that could stem from Golden Milk. I came up with turmeric granola (which turned into my Golden Granola) and Dave suggested turmeric farro. So he deserves full credit for this golden beauty!
I'm so excited for you to try this sunshine-hued vegan farrotto. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a side dish, during winter or during summer, with just a tiny bit of heat or a lot, I'm confident you'll love this one as much as we do.
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
Golden Hummus (Superfood Turmeric Hummus)
Raw Fall Salad with Lemon-Pistachio Dukkah
Your favorite roasted veggies with this Caramelized Lemon Turmeric Sauce
This powerful anti-inflammatory turmeric farro risotto ("farrotto") is loaded with warming spices and a very delicate heat. It's the ultimate healthy comfort food.
For the Farro
For Garnishing
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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