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.
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.
No one else in Italy cooks rice in so many ways as the Venetians and northern Italians. I remember when my cousin Attilio from Trieste, Italy came to visit , I told him how much I loved risotto.
He answered, “. . . con (with)?”
I was a little confused, I repeated, ” Risotto!”
“Ma risotto con cosa ( But risotto with what)?”
Italians have countless dishes combining rice with every vegetable imaginable along with all types of meat, fish or poultry. So when they speak of risotto they include “con” plus the other main ingredients.
Now to be truthful, I hadn’t intended to make the Farro and Peas – I had meant to make the actual Italian Risi e Bisi. . .unfortunately I had to go to plan “B” since I didn’t have the main ingredient, risotto rice. I didn’t find this out until we had returned from the beach and we were too tired to run to the store.
It had been a long day. Honey had spent the entire day fishing without getting one single bite. I was sitting in my beach chair planning the evening’s menu, reading up on Lightroom and working with my camera. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted an egret slowly approaching my bag. Those beady little eyes were keeping close tabs on me. I’m sure he thought I was harmless enough since I was fooling around with a little black box that had dials, buttons and a big eye. Anyway, with that little black box I was able to get a quick shot of him. I really hadn’t needed to be quick about it. The bird was not easily scared off. . . he stuck around for the whole day hoping he could get some kind of freebie.
We certainly weren’t disappointed in our Plan B. The Farro and peas recipe had the texture of a risotto without the work. It came together fairly quickly and then it just simmered on its own. It’s a good thing because after being gone all day we were hungry and were looking forward to a relaxing meal.
We served the Farro and Peas 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.
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
Farro and Peas ( Risi e Bisi)
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup dry farro
- 3/4 cup diced onion
- 3/4 cup sliced carrot
- 2 Tablespoons garlic
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen young green peas thawed
- 1/4 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
- Adapted from "Farro & Peas" Celebrate the Season, Issue 8, Feb/March 2016
Nutrition
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Tina says
I’ve not tried farro before, but this looks like quite the happy accident after a long day of fishing! Definitely putting farro on list to try out. This looks perfectly delicious!
Debra says
What an interesting side dish. I am a new fan of faro and have been looking for more recipes to use it. I prefer the nubby texture of the faro than rice. I hadn’t thought about using it in risotto recipes. Brilliant. I’m going to start with this recipe though…the peas and carrots are sure to be a big hit in this house.
Dana says
Ohh, I love farro! I usually serve it over a salad of some sort. But I’m loving the idea of curling up with a big bowl of it. It’s so nutritious and warming. Not to mention perfect for weeknights—so quick and simple!
Traci says
Great recipe! I have loved farro for years, and peas since childhood, so of course I’m loving the combination of both! Farro is such a great alternative to rice and full of nutrition. With a recipe like yours, we can’t go wrong! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Carmy says
I am so excited for this recipe! I have an almost full bag of farro that I purchased on a whim and never got around to using it. I love anything with peas so I’m totally down to try this recipe in the new year.
Daniela says
It was so interesting to learn the history behind the original dish. I love all Italian food because of its emphasis on highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients, and this dish is no exception. I’d love to try it in the spring with fresh peas!
Tracy says
Now that’s a good Plan B! And what a great setting to think it up – ahhh the beach, with entertainment, too! Ha! You know the first time I had farro was in Riparbella but I haven’t had it much since – time to fix that! Pinning this recipe for later.
Lisa says
Risotto con… what? Love that! Risotto with anything and everything… that’s what. I’m with you. I’d have to make a special trip to the store for arborio rice, but I think the farro swap makes a great stand-in for the rice. And I love your click of the bird — just nosing through your bag. Is that an egret? heron?
Gloria says
I have not cooked with farro that often, but I like it a lot. This recipe is the perfect side dish to so many proteins. I could just grill up some shrimp as a topper and call it dinner. In fact, that sounds like a great idea for dinner tonight….it is mild outside. Hubby can fire up the grill.
nagi.maehashi@gmail.com says
OK, you win. Farro just got added to my grocery list for this week. 🙂
LOVE those fishing pics!!! Poor Honey though….no bites! N c
Marisa Franca says
I anxious to see what your creative mind comes up with for the farro 🙂 Honey is VERY disappointed we won’t be taking any fishing packages home this time — only three more weeks to go.
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says
Hi Marisa, so nice that I found your blog. I am italian, from Rome, and I love risi e bisi. Some of my relatives live in Vicenza and that’s where I learned to make it. I use arborio rice, or vialone nano for the risi e bisi and no carrots. I like your version with farro and the carrots add a touch of color. In Italy you’ll never see a piece of meat close to a risotto, though 😉 . You have your first course, usually change plate, and then on with the “secondo e contorno” (pretty strict, these italians, eh? 🙂 ).
Marisa Franca says
Ciao Nicoletta! I’m happy you found me too!! 🙂 Now if I were married to an Italian I would love to serve our meal in “courses” but I’m married to a German/Scot who loves ALL of his food on his plate. I like the idea of slowly savoring each dish. So many times I see people eating their food in a clockwise or counter-clockwise fashion — that is if they have a system. Abbracci!
Revathi Palani says
Such a colorful and delicious plate of farro and peas. Beautiful pics make them extra appetizing 🙂
Marisa Franca says
Thank you Revathi! Fargo is easier than risotto and oh so good. You could add any type of veggie you like.
krishrecipes says
This looks Fantastic and delicious
Marisa Franca says
Thank you it is easy to make and it is delicious. I hope you try it!
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma) says
Love this dish! Simple, beautiful and tasty! Can’t beat that trio! Your pictures are beautiful!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you Cindy! You know if you do want it completely vegetarian you can just use vegetable stock.
Kelly Hutchinson says
This is a dish my daughter and husband would enjoy. I need to make this for them very soon!
Marisa Franca says
I’m sure your daughter and husband will love it. To tell you the truth Kelly, faro has been around practically forever and I recently “discovered” it. I love cooking with it!! Let me know how your family likes it.
Amanda says
I don’t cook with farro often enough. I’m not sure why that is, because it’s delicious! This looks like a lovely dish. A perfect side or dish on its own!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you Amanda I’m sure once you start fixing farro it will become a staple. Thank you for stopping and commenting.
nicole (thespicetrain.com) says
All right, that settles it, farro finally goes on the shopping list. I’ve never ever made it if you can believe it but this dish convinces me, it looks fresh, healthy and very satisfying. The beach looks wonderful too, so peaceful (despite that nosy (but cute) egret! :)).
Marisa Franca says
The pelicans and the egrets would simply love you and your camera 🙂 Let me know what you think of your first taste of farro.
nicole (thespicetrain.com) says
Made it and loved it! I really liked the texture of farro, it’s better than that of risotto rice in my opinion. Thanks so much for sharing, Marisa! 🙂
Marisa Franca says
Hi Nicole! Thank you so much for coming back and leaving a response and I’m so pleased you like farro. I’m sure you’ll come up with lots of interesting and delicious variations. I love the different spices and herbs that you use. Have a great weekend.
Neli @ Delicious Meets Healthy says
this looks fantastic!! I have to try farro, looks like the perfect side dish!
Marisa Franca says
It certainly is a great side dish Neli! In fact I’ve even used it in an appetizer! Thank you for commenting.
annie@ciaochowbambina says
I’m a huge fan farro so this dish would definitely satisfy me! Love the little anecdote about the beach friend you made! Great shot!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you Annie. I thought my little egret friend would hop in my bag and let me carry him home. Not shy in the least!!
Sara @ Life's Little Sweets says
I have to try farro now, it looks so healthy, I can’t believe I have never tried it, this recipe looks so good and totally easy enough for me to make!
Marisa Franca says
Hi Sara! I think once you try farro you’ll want to use it all the time. It is so good for you!!
Christine | Vermilion Roots says
I love farro for the chewy nuttiness. It really does add depth of flavor to a dish in place of rice.
Marisa Franca says
You are so right Christine. Farro is great!
Simply Suzannes at Home says
Oh yum! This sounds and looks delicious and hearty!
You’re photo is stunning, Marisa! The beautiful napkin really makes the green peas and orange carrots pop! And I love that you added yummy bourbon chicken. What a great combination ?.
Sending you great big hugs!
Suzanne
Marisa Franca says
Thank you Suzanne — you are so doggone sweet!! That bourbon sauce is super good. Have a great weekend and I’m sending big hugs right back!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
This sounds like a great combination. I love using farro too, the texture is great and I love the nutty flavour.
Marisa Franca says
Hi Gloria! I like to think of my farro as my rice substitute 😉
Shadi says
Love using new grains! I have heard of farro but never used it or bought it! Now I have a good reason to get some farro!
Marisa Franca says
Hello Shadi! Once you use farro you’ll want to experiment with lots of recipes. It holds up really well and doesn’t get starchy like rice. Let me know how you like it.
Diane P. says
Love farro—even more than rice—farro soup, in salads, or as a side. Will be trying this very soon. Thanks for the great post. Hope fishing gets better for you……
Marisa Franca says
Hi Diane! You’re welcome and we are hoping on the fishing to improve. We’ve had to purchase our seafood 🙁
Jovina Coughlin says
Delicious combination. I am always looking for new ways to use this special grain. Now I have another recipe to make. Looks so good.
Marisa Franca says
If you like farro you’ll love the recipe, Jovina. It’s easy and very tasty!!
Susie says
Love tasty, easy side dishes, especially, protein and veggies all in one. I’ll be trying this recipe, soon.
We also like the picture of the handsome fisherman? Egret reminded me of Phil?
Thanks, MARISA
Marisa Franca says
You are very welcome, Susie. And one of the reasons I took the picture of he bird was he reminded me of Phil — she sure did love her birds 🙂