This recipe of Farro and Peas adopts the flavor of the classic Venetian dish Risi e Bisi ( rice and peas) but swaps the rice for farro, adding more nutrition, nutty flavor, and a great chewy texture to the final dish. Fresh spring peas are typically used for the Italian dish but for our farro and peas I used frozen peas.
Jump to:
❤️ Why we love this recipe
- This hearty, vegan-friendly dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it an ideal meal to power us through our day.
- The nutty flavor of the farro combined with sweet peas creates a savory and satisfying taste that keeps our taste buds happy.
- Plus, it's an easy one-pan meal that comes together in minutes.
Farro is also a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. In this recipe, I'm using farro and peas to create a healthy and delicious side dish. Give this recipe a try next time you're looking for something new to cook!
🛒 Ingredients
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Note: The full list of this recipe ingredients with their amounts and options are listed in the recipe card below.
- olive oil
- dry farro
- diced onion
- sliced carrot
- garlic
- dry white wine
- low-sodium chicken broth
- frozen young green peas thawed
- shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Kosher salt and freshly grated black pepper
We love using Farro for all sorts of dishes. It is highly nutritious and it keeps it's texture. This is a staple at our house.
🗒 Instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high. Stir in farro, onion, carrot, and garlic.
- Cook until onion softens, 3-4 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan with wine and reduce until it nearly evaporates.
- Stir in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cook farro until tender and broth are absorbed, 20-30 minutes.
- Stir in peas and Parmesan.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with additional Parmesan to sprinkle on top.
🔪 Equipment
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
You’ll need the following items to make this recipe successfully.
- saucepan
- wooden spoon
- sharp knife
- cutting board
🤔 FAQs
These are the questions we are most frequently asked about making Farro and Peas.
Risi and bisi are made of farro, peas, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that can be served as a main course or side dish.
Bisi is an Italian word that means "cooked with rice". It's typically used to refer to dishes that are prepared with rice and other ingredients.
Orzo is generally considered to be healthier than rice, as it is higher in fiber and protein. It has a lower glycemic index and provides a more complex form of carbohydrates than white rice.
No, risi and orzo are not the same.
Bring water to a boil and then carefully add the farro. Bring the water back to a boil, then lower the heat so it maintains a fast simmer. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally until the farro is softened through, 20 to 40 minutes, depending on whether it's pearled or whole farro.
👩🏻🍳 Tips
- Make sure that you "toast" the farro while you saute the onion, carrot, and garlic.
- I like to use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan well so that I get all the flavoring off the bottom of the pan when I add the broth.
- Once the mixture reaches a boil, you reduce the heat so that it doesn't scorch.
- It's important to thaw the peas before you add them to this hearty dish.
📚 Variations
- If you want to make this easy recipe into a vegetarian dish, then use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Not a fan of farro? You can use long-grain white rice or brown rice instead of farro in this recipe.
- If you are making this recipe during the spring when fresh English peas are plentiful use those instead of frozen peas for even more flavor.
- You could also add more vegetables such as mushrooms, celery, or kale to this recipe.
🥫 Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot throughout.
You can also freeze farro and peas in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Defrost before reheating.
The History of Risi e Bisi
In the past this dish was only prepared on feast days decreed by the Doge (Venice's ruler).
In the days of the Republic of Venice, Risi e Bisi was the first dish served at the dinner given by the Doges each April 25 in honor of San Marco, the patron saint of Venice.
Italians, being Italian and knowing great food, decided that such a great tasting dish shouldn't just be saved for a special occasion.
So today, Italians make Risi e Bisi whenever the mood strikes them.
📗 Related Recipes
- If you love farro recipes, then next time you will want to give this Farro with Tomatoes recipe a try! It's an Italian one-pot dish that is bursting with flavor!
- Farro Tabbouleh with Kale is a hearty herbal salad that includes a combination of Italian parsley and fresh mint. The flavors are bold and satisfying. It's also great when made ahead!
- This Warm Tuscan Farro Salad is a great way to enjoy all of the flavors of your favorite salad, during the chilly weather months!
🍽 Serve with
- While this hearty dish is delicious all on its own it also pairs so well with this Grilled Venison Backstrap.
- These Balsamic Glazed Lamb Chops are another entree that goes so well with this simple
- You can't have a hearty and comforting meal like this without a fresh bread side, and this Dutch Oven Bread is my favorite easy bread to make when I want something crusty.
📞 Chiacchierata (chat)
I love that this farro and peas recipe can be a one-pot meal or you can enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite entree. No matter which way you choose to serve it, you won't regret taking the time to make this dish.
Tutti a tavolo, è pronto!
What's new? Check out my All Our Way Store on Amazon. We'll be adding more items we love and use or wish we had to make cooking fun and easy.
Farro and Peas Recipe| A Take on Risi E Bisi
Carrots, onions, and garlic sauteed with toasted farro. It's simmered together in chicken broth for a flavorful meal or side dish that the whole family will enjoy.
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
📖 Recipe
Farro and Peas ( Risi e Bisi) an Italian Classic Dish
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup dry farro
- ¾ cup diced onion
- ¾ cup sliced carrot
- 2 Tablespoons garlic
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen young green peas thawed
- ¼ cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Kosher salt and freshly grated black pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high. Stir in farro, onion, carrot, and garlic; cook until onion softens, 3-4 minutes.
- Deglaze pan with wine and reduce until it nearly evaporates. Stir in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook farro until tender and broth is absorbed, 20-30 minutes.
- Stir in peas and Parmesan; season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with additional Parmesan to sprinkle on top.
Notes
- Make sure that you "toast" the farro while you saute the onion, carrot, and garlic.
- I like to use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan well so that I get all the flavoring off the bottom of the pan when I add the broth.
- Once the mixture reaches a boil, you reduce the heat so that it doesn't scorch.
- It's important to thaw the peas before you add them to this hearty dish.
Nutrition
Sign up for the emails and never miss another recipe!!
We'll never share your email or send you spam. Promise
We served the Risi e Bisi with our Spicy Bourbon Barbecued Grilled Chicken. We warmed up some of the leftover Farro and Peas the next day and the dish was still delicious.
