Can you cook farro risotto in an Instant Pot?

Yes, absolutely. Using the Instant Pot is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to make farro risotto with minimal stirring and perfect results every time.

How long does farro take to cook in the Instant Pot?

For pearled farro, pressure cooking on high for 10 minutes plus a 10-minute natural release results in an ideal chewy consistency. Hulled farro may need 5 additional minutes.

Do you need to soak farro before pressure cooking?

No need to soak pearled farro before using your Instant Pot. Simply rinsing it under cold water is enough to prep it for cooking.

Is farro risotto healthier than regular risotto?

Yes. Farro risotto includes more fiber, protein, and key nutrients than traditional white rice risotto. It’s also lower on the glycemic index, making it better for blood sugar stability.

Instant Pot Farro Risotto: 1 Hearty Power Meal You’ll Love

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Looking for a warm, comforting dish that’s easy to make, packed with nutrition, and bursting with real flavor? This Instant Pot farro risotto might be your new favorite go-to. We’re diving into everything you need to know to make this creamy yet wholesome twist on Italian risotto using farro and your reliable Instant Pot. From the tender grains and savory broth to quick cook times and flexible ingredients, this guide walks you through it all.

My Plant-Based Story with Farro Risotto

From Family Garden Roots to Instant Pot Wizardry

Growing up in Northern California, farro wasn’t on our dinner table—zucchini, yes. Lentils, always. But farro? It sounded like a place, not a pantry staple. My mom had a knack for coaxing rich flavor out of simple ingredients, and I carried that inspiration with me when I began my plant-based journey. Once I discovered farro in my late twenties, it became the grain I never knew I needed—nutty, toothsome, and perfect for stews, salads, and yes, risotto.

Then came the game-changer: my Instant Pot. As a full-time chef who still makes time for weekend farmers market strolls and midweek dinner party experiments, I needed efficient tools. Making traditional risotto was time-consuming—worth it, sure, but not always manageable on a busy night. That’s when I began tinkering with Instant Pot farro risotto, and let me tell you: creamy comfort food was never so effortless.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

Creamy but with more texture than classic Arborio rice risotto, Instant Pot farro risotto takes the guesswork out of constant stirring. The farro cooks to a perfect al dente bite, absorbing robust vegetable broth, garlic, mushrooms, and fresh herbs without getting mushy. Best of all, you just set it and forget it—well, almost. The versatility of farro means you can go Mediterranean one night and smoky chipotle the next.

I even showcased a variation at a community dinner event using inspiration from this autumn farro salad recipe, switching roasted squash for mushrooms. You can play with flavor combinations endlessly, which is half the fun. Plus, farro is a staple ingredient across several of my go-to dishes like Charlie Bird’s farro salad, proving it’s more than just a supporting player.

Building the Perfect Instant Pot Farro Risotto

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make a basic yet soul-warming Instant Pot farro risotto. This version leans into umami and earthiness—my favorite base to customize from.

1 cup pearled farro (rinsed well)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cremini or shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
3 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
½ cup dry apple cider vinegar (optional but recommended)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (adds deep flavor)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Want to switch things up? Use leeks instead of onion, or toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or frozen peas at the end. Craving a cheesier risotto vibe? Stir in a spoonful of cashew cream or plant-based parmesan at the end for richness.

Timing: How Long Does It Take?

This dish takes under 40 minutes from pantry to plate—perfect for weeknights. Here’s how the timing breaks down:

Step	Time
Prep veggies + rinse farro	10 minutes
Sauté in Instant Pot	5 minutes
Pressure cooking time	10 minutes (plus 10 minutes natural release)
Total time	35–40 minutes

That’s roughly 20% faster than most stovetop risotto recipes, without sacrificing the creamy payoff.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Turn on the Sauté function on your Instant Pot and pour in the olive oil.
Toss in onions and stir for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
Add garlic and mushrooms; cook another 2 minutes.
Stir in rinsed farro, fresh herbs, dry apple cider vinegar (if using). Let it gently simmer for 1 minute.
Pour in vegetable broth, add salt and pepper. Close the lid, set to Pressure Cook on high for 10 minutes.
Once done, allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
Stir in nutritional yeast, adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley—and you’re set to serve.

For extra savoriness, I sometimes reference the broth blend used in farro soup, infusing this risotto with a deeper base.

Nutritional Power & Creative Twists

Why Farro is a Nutritional MVP

Farro isn’t just trendy—it’s time-tested. This ancient grain is loaded with fiber, protein, and nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. It’s a whole grain that supports heart health and digestion while keeping you satisfied longer. And did you know farro has nearly twice the fiber of brown rice?

According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, incorporating more whole grains like farro into your diet can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and stroke. That’s a pretty strong case for swapping out white rice in your next risotto.

With its chewy, satisfying bite, farro transforms risotto from a soft, spoonable dish to a more dynamic texture-driven meal. If you’ve used it in this cranberry farro salad, you already know it holds its own among bold flavors.

Customizing Farro Risotto for Every Season

One of the best things about Instant Pot farro risotto is how easy it is to customize. In fall, roast cubes of butternut squash and stir them in at the end. In summer, swap mushrooms for sweet corn and cherry tomatoes. One of my favorite versions mimics my Mediterranean farro salad, adding olives, lemon zest, and oregano.

Love spice? Add a dollop of harissa or smoked paprika. Want creaminess? Stir in a few tablespoons of unsweetened oat milk or coconut cream after pressure release. This dish evolves with your mood—and your fridge contents.

Pinched for pantry options? I once riffed off leftover ingredients from a Trader Joe’s farro recipe—instant risotto magic with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes.

Tips, Tricks & Answers to FAQs

Expert Tips for Risotto Success

Always rinse your farro before cooking—it removes excess starch and helps with texture.
Use broth warmed on the stove for extra depth when pressure cooking.
Don’t skip the 10-minute natural release. It ensures the grains finish cooking without going mushy.
Add greens like baby spinach or kale right at the end. Let residual heat wilt them for color and nutrition.

If you like heartier grain bowls, try using this method in tandem with the hearty feel of farro kale salad—just switch the kale to the risotto right at the end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook farro risotto in an Instant Pot?
Yes, absolutely. Using the Instant Pot is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to make farro risotto with minimal stirring and perfect results every time.
How long does farro take to cook in the Instant Pot?
For pearled farro, pressure cooking on high for 10 minutes plus a 10-minute natural release results in an ideal chewy consistency. Hulled farro may need 5 additional minutes.
Do you need to soak farro before pressure cooking?
No need to soak pearled farro before using your Instant Pot. Simply rinsing it under cold water is enough to prep it for cooking.
Is farro risotto healthier than regular risotto?
Yes. Farro risotto includes more fiber, protein, and key nutrients than traditional white rice risotto. It’s also lower on the glycemic index, making it better for blood sugar stability.

Why Instant Pot Farro Risotto Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Rotation

Plant-Based Comfort Made Simple

Instant Pot farro risotto hits that rare recipe sweet spot: indulgent and nourishing. You get the creamy texture you crave, with all the health benefits of whole grains. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to something delicious, this dish delivers every time.

There’s something so grounding about the blend of nutty farro, deep mushroom flavor, and herbaceous notes, all brought together in your Instant Pot with minimal cleanup. Trust me, once you try it, this becomes more than just another plant-based recipe—it becomes part of your seasonal rotation.

Final Thought: Let the Grain Guide You

Farro has become a staple in my kitchen, inspiring both creativity and a sense of comfort. It’s proven itself beyond salads and sides—and this risotto cements it as a star. Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned enthusiast looking for your next obsession, Instant Pot farro risotto offers something truly rich—both on the plate and at the table.

Now that you’ve got your grain game strong, try folding in a few more recipes using farro from traditional staples to adventurous pairings, and let your kitchen feel alive with possibility.

Instant Pot Farro Risotto: A Hearty Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish