This creamy farro dish is like a hearty risotto and you’d never guess it was vegan! Thanks to nutritional yeast and cashew cream, this healthy, vegan dinner tastes like your favorite comfort food.

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I loved this faux risotto made with farro, so I thought I’d try something similar but with a tomato base. I wanted to keep it vegan so I used nutritional yeast and cashew cream to give it a creamy, cheesy flavor without actually using any dairy. Nutritional yeast has the added benefit of protein & B vitamins which can both be a little challenge for non-meat eaters to get. I typically get my nutritional yeast from the bulk bins at the grocery store — but if you can’t find it there, you can order it online. (Bob’s Red Mill is on Amazon and it’s great!)

What is farro?

Farro is an ancient grain, full of protein, fiber, and nutrients! The taste is a little heartier and chewier than brown rice. Because it is a type of wheat, it is not gluten-free. The most common type, semi-pearled farro, cooks in about 30 minutes. That’s the kind you’ll find from Bob’s Red Mill, but you may see quick-cooking varieties at places like Trader Joe’s. You can use any kind with this recipe, but the quick-cooking kind won’t absorb as much of the liquid — and you may need to add more liquid if you’re using a slower cooking variety.

types of farro

Creamy Vegan Farro Ingredients

  • Olive oil- A little olive oil helps enhance the flavor of the spices and toast the farro.
  • Shallot, garlic, oregano, and thyme- This adds a little extra depth and flavor. Swap in 1/4 cup of chopped onion in place of the shallot, if desired.
  • Farro– If using semi-pearled farro or pearled farro, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. I’ve noted it in the recipe card below.
  • Cashew cream- This adds creaminess without any dairy.
  • Nutritional yeast– Nutrtional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, but it’s totally vegan.
  • Pasta sauce– Use your favorite marinara sauce to enhance the flavor.
  • Salt– Don’t be afraid to add salt to taste!
farro in a strainer

Farro is a hearty grain and it maintains its texture when cooked. It’s heartier than brown rice, and I love the texture in this dish. It’s heartier than a regular risotto but it absorbs the flavors really well. Plus, it’s a good source of fiber!

More Farro Recipes

If you have extra farro, here are some of my favorite ways to use it! Try this farro and arugula salad for a hearty, fall-inspired salad. Or make this farro and broccoli grain bowl. Short on time? Try this Instant Pot mushroom farro!

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Tomato Farro Risotto

Tomato Farro Risotto

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  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Yield: 4 cups 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This creamy farro dish is like a hearty risotto and you’d never guess it was vegan! Thanks to nutritional yeast and cashew cream, this healthy, vegan dinner tastes like your favorite comfort food.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup dry whole farro
  • 1/4 teapsoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce
  • 1/4 cup cashew cream or heavy cream
  • Pine nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds.
  2. Add the shallot and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. Add the garlic, farro, oregano, thyme, and salt, and continue to cook for one minute,
  4. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium low and continue to simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Add the marinara sauce and continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes until the farro is cooked. It should be a bit chewy but not crunchy.
  7. Stir in the nutritional yeast and cashew cream.
  8. Top with pine nuts, if desired.

Notes

Note: If you’re using pearled or semi-pearled barley, you’ll need to reduce the cooking time. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes for pearled, 20-30 for semi-pearled.

farro in bowls

Looking for something else to do with farro? Try this faux risotto recipe!

farro risotto recipe

What food are you craving?