Side view of a farrow with mushroom pilaf on a blue plate.

Farro Pilaf With Mushrooms (Sounkov ev Hačarov Plaf)

This Farro Pilaf with Mushrooms is an Armenian-style grain dish that is cozy with the aromatic comfort of sautéed mushrooms. It’s the kind of recipe I turn to when I want something hearty and nourishing, but also elegant enough to bring to the table for guests. Whether you’re cooking for a vegetarian crowd or simply craving something deeply savory and wholesome, this pilaf is easy to make and deeply satisfying.

Overhead view of the farro pilaf with mushrooms.

Menu Suggestion: Make It a Meal

Turn this hearty Farro Pilaf with Mushrooms into a complete Armenian-inspired vegetarian main course.

Why You’ll Love This Pilaf Recipe

Side view of a farrow with mushroom pilaf on a blue plate.

If you try making farro with chicken you might like this vegetarian option that is simple, humble, yet very comforting.

  • Hearty and plant-forward: Mushrooms lend a savory depth that feels just as satisfying as meat.
  • Perfect for batch cooking: This dish holds well in the fridge, making it a great addition to your meal prep routine.
  • No broth? No problem: This recipe still builds flavor even if you’re using water instead of stock.
  • Inspired by traditional Armenian cooking: The layering of sautéed onions, toasted grain, and gentle spices recalls the grain-forward sides common in Armenian kitchens.
  • Vegetarian with depth: The combination of mushrooms and farro makes this a deeply umami-rich dish, great for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Your Essential Grocery List and Ingredient Notes

Ingredients shot of the farro with mushroom pilaf.
  • Farro: Use pearled or semi-pearled for a quicker cook time.
  • Mushrooms: Cremini, button, or a mix (shiitake, oyster) all work well.
  • Onion: Diced and sautéed to build sweetness.
  • Liquid: Chicken broth, vegetable or mushroom stock, or just hot water.
  • Salt: I use pink Himalayan salt, but any fine sea salt works.
  • Oil or Ghee: Olive oil is ideal; a touch of ghee adds richness.
  • Optional additions: A pinch of Aleppo pepper or dried thyme complements the mushrooms beautifully.

Optional Substitutions and Customization

  • Grains: You can use barley or brown rice instead of farro—just adjust the cooking time.
  • Add-ins: A handful of spinach stirred in at the end adds a pop of color and nutrients.

Time Commitment and Prep Tools

Estimated time

  • 10–12 minutes: To sauté and combine ingredients
  • 35–45 minutes: To simmer until farro is tender

Special tools you’ll need

  • Deep sauté pan or Dutch oven with lid
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowl (for soaking farro)
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Recipe Steps at a Glance

  • Soak the farro (ahead of time)
  • Clean and chop the onions and mushrooms (ahead of time)
  • Sauté the onions
  • Stir in farro and hot water or broth
  • Simmer and cook
  • Sauté the mushrooms

Step-by-step: How to Make Farro Pilaf with Mushrooms

Soaking farro in the cold water.

Step 1: Rinse and soak farro in cool water for at least an hour. Drain well.

Sauteeing onions and mushrooms.

Step 2: Heat olive oil or ghee in a wide sauté pan. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Stir in diced mushrooms and cook until browned and fragrant.

Mixing in farro with the onion mixture.

Step 3: Add the drained farro and stir to coat with oil and flavor.

Pouring liquid into the pot with farro.

Step 4: Pour in hot broth or water, season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 35–45 minutes, or until the farro is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.

Oyster mushrooms in a frying pan.

Step 5: Sauté mushrooms in oil. Let them fully coat in oil.

Button mushrooms in a frying pan.

Step 6: Once browned on all sides, season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Farro pilaf with mushroom on a plater.

Step 7: Fluff the farro pilaf and transfer onto a platter. Arrange the sautéd mushrooms around the edges.

Tips and Wisdom from Cafe Osharak

  • Soak farro for at least 30 minutes but not more than 2 hours. If using later, drain and leave until ready to use.
  • After the pilaf is ready, let it rest in a pan. Place a clean cotton napkin between the pan and lid. This will ensure that all the moisture got absorbed and pilaf gets fluffy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked farro?

Yes! Reduce the liquid and cook time accordingly—start with just enough broth to warm everything through and let flavors meld.

Can I make this vegan?

It already is! Just be sure to use olive oil instead of ghee and a vegetable broth base.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely—just use a wider pan or cook in two batches to ensure even cooking.

More Recipes to Try from Cafe Osharak

If you love this plant-forward pilaf, try the similarly comforting Pearl Barley Risotto with Mushrooms for a creamy twist. The Farro with Chicken offers a protein option, or explore tomato-rich dishes like Armenian Okra and Tomato Stew (Bamyaov Chash) for a lighter, tangy side.


If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it turned out in the 📝 comments. I appreciate your support!

Farro Pilaf With Mushrooms

Enjoy this Mediterranean-style farro pilaf with mushrooms, a one-pan vegetarian recipe that’s rich in flavor, nutritious, and satisfying.
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Side view of a farrow with mushroom pilaf on a blue plate.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Soaking time:1 minute
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
Armenian

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon Ghee or cooking oil
  • 1 cup farro
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 100 g mushrooms diced
  • 2 cup hot liquid chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water
  • 400 g mushroom sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon parsley or dill

Instructions

  • Rinse the farro under cool water, then soak for at least 1-hour. Drain well.
  • Heat olive oil or ghee in a wide sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.
  • Stir in the diced mushrooms and cook until browned and fragrant.
  • Add the drained farro and stir to coat with oil and flavor. Pour in hot broth or water, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook on low for 35–45 minutes, or until the farro is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  • In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté the remaining mushrooms until evenly browned. Let them fully coat in oil for rich flavor.
  • Season the mushrooms with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
  • Fluff the cooked farro with a fork and transfer to a serving platter. Arrange the sautéed mushrooms around the edges and serve warm.

Notes

Step-by-Step Photos: My blog post includes helpful step-by-step photos to help guide you through making this recipe.
  • Soak farro for at least 30 minutes but not more than 2 hours. If using later, drain and leave until ready to use.
  • After the pilaf is ready, let it rest in a pan. Place a clean cotton napkin between the pan and lid. This will ensure that all the m
Calories: 343kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 50mg | Potassium: 698mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 98IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving and is not guaranteed for accuracy.

Servings: 4
Calories: 343kcal
Tried this recipe?Mention @osharak.cafe or tag #osharak.cafe!

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