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    Home » Recipes » Banana Nut Farro Bowl [Oatmeal Alternative]

    Banana Nut Farro Bowl [Oatmeal Alternative]

    April 30, 2021 by Melinda

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This healthy banana nut farro breakfast bowl is filling, nutritious, delicious and the perfect way to start your day.

     
    Missouri Girl banana nut farro breakfast bowl. An ancient grain that makes a healthy alternative to your morning oatmeal. Missouri Girl Blog.
     
     
    I am typically an oatmeal-for-breakfast-every-weekday kinda girl.

    It’s hearty, healthy, yummy, easy, and you can always mix it up a bit by changing the add-ins.

    My typical morning bowl consists of oats, chia seeds, flax seed, sweetener (maple syrup, honey, dates), add-ins (nuts, fruit), and milk of choice (cow’s, almond, coconut). Sometimes I really go crazy and swap out the oats for a grain.

    My new favorite grain is farro.

    What is Farro?

    Farro is an ancient grain that’s well known for its health benefits.

    It is rich in fiber, iron, protein, minerals like magnesium, and antioxidants. Perfect for a healthy, hardy breakfast or fueling for your runs/workouts.

    It has a slightly nutty flavor and has a firmer, slightly chewy bite. It bares many similarities to barley.

     
    Missouri Girl Blog. Banana Nut Breakfast Farro Bowl. An ancient grain that makes a healthy alternative to your morning oatmeal. Missouri Girl.

    How can I use farro?

    Farro is widely used in both sweet and savory dishes.

    I once made a mushroom farro that was similar to a risotto. It was delicious!

    My favorite way to use it, however, is as a breakfast bowl.

    This recipe is for a single serving. Just double or triple the recipe depending on the serving size needed.

    How to make farro?

    Rinse (optional)

    To start, it is recommended to rinse the farro prior to cooking, like you would rice, but I find myself skipping this step more often than not.

    Toast (optional)

    Next, lightly toast the farro over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, until lightly toasted. Swirl frequently for even toasting and to prevent burning (this step is optional, but brings out the nutty flavor in the farro).

    Cook

    Bring 1 cup water and ⅛ teaspoon salt to a boil.

    Stir in ½ cup farro. The traditional ratio is 3 parts water to 1 part farro, but I like to cook down the farro and then add the milk of choice so it has a creamier texture. in this case, I started with a 2:1 ratio.

    As it cooks, you’ll notice that the farro does not expand much, but the water will start to dissipate.

    Once all of the water has been absorbed (about 15 minutes), you are ready for the next step.

    How to make a Banana Nut Farro Bowl

    Now it’s time to add your milk of choice and half of a mashed, ripe banana. Stir well.

    For this breakfast farro, I went with a banana nut version which is my favorite so far. You seriously feel like you’re indulging in a warm slice of banana nut bread. Yum!

    The milk of choice today is coconut almond milk (but feel free to use whatever you have). Add ½ cup and simmer over low heat for an additional 5 minutes or until most of the coconut almond milk has been absorbed.

    Finally, add ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon, an additional ⅛ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon sugar, sliced bananas, walnuts (or pecans), and additional coconut almond milk per preference.

     
    Banana Nut Farro Breakfast Bowl. A healthy alternative to your morning oatmeal. Missouri Girl

    Farro meal prepping and storage

    Farro is so versatile and you can make a large batch ahead of time for added convenience. Just boil the farro and store in an airtight container until you are ready to use it (I store it for up to 3 days). Then just add your desired mix-ins and heat on the stove.

    Enjoy!

     

    banana nut farro breakfast bowl with bananas in a white bowl

    Banana Nut Farro Breakfast Bowl

    Melinda | Missouri Girl
    This Banana Nut Farro Breakfast Bowl is healthy, filling, delicious and the perfect alternative to your normal breakfast.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 people

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup water
    • ½ cup farro
    • salt per preference
    • ½ cup coconut almond milk (or whatever milk you prefer), plus additional ¼-1/2 cup per preference
    • 1 large banana divided
    • ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon sugar
    • ⅛ cup walnuts, pecans, or nut of choice

    Instructions
     

    • Bring one cup water and a pinch of salt to a boil.
    • Meanwhile, toast the farro over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, swirling often to toast evenly and prevent burning (optional).
    • Once the water comes to a boil, add ½ cup farro and boil for about 20 minutes or until most of the water is absorbed.
    • Add ½ cup coconut almond milk and ½ ripe mashed banana, stir well.
    • Simmer on low heat for an additional 5 minutes or until most of the liquid has once again been absorbed.
    • Test the farro to make sure it is done. It should have a firm but chewy bite.
    • If it is too firm, just add additional coconut almond milk or water and continue cooking until done.
    • Add a pinch of salt, ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon sugar, banana slices, nuts, and additional coconut almond milk per preference.

    Notes

    This recipe scales well so just double, triple, or quadruple the recipe as needed.  
    You can also prep the farro ahead of time by boiling a larger batch and keeping in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to use as needed.  
    Keyword breakfast bowls, farro bowl, farro breakfast bowl, healthy breakfast bowl, healthy breakfast ideas, unique healthy breakfast
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Marta says

      January 09, 2021 at 2:40 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve been trying to find new ways to use up farro and this was a hit with my family. So tasty and easy to make.

      Reply
      • Melinda says

        January 09, 2021 at 8:39 pm

        Thank you! So glad you and your family enjoyed it.

        Reply
    2. Mihaela|https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says

      January 09, 2021 at 3:35 pm

      5 stars
      I’m an oats person too and love pearl barley a lot! I have to look for Farro and give it a try; you made me curious:)

      Reply
      • Melinda says

        January 09, 2021 at 4:05 pm

        Excellent. Mission accomplished!!!

        Reply
    3. Christina says

      January 09, 2021 at 3:38 pm

      5 stars
      My New Year’s resolution is to add more whole grains to my diet, so I just love this breakfast idea! I’ve pinned it so I can make it over & over.

      Reply
      • Melinda says

        January 09, 2021 at 8:38 pm

        Fantastic!

        Reply
    4. Leah says

      January 09, 2021 at 9:59 pm

      I’ve never heard of farro so I’m glad you explained what it was. I love to have grains with breakfast and typically do an overnight oat or chia pudding. I’ll have to try this out for a warm breakfast option!

      Reply
      • Melinda says

        January 10, 2021 at 9:53 am

        It’s a great way to mix things up for sure!

        Reply
    5. Alyssa Hixenbaugh says

      January 10, 2021 at 9:25 am

      5 stars
      I have loads of farro in my pantry but I’ve never thought of making a sweet recipe. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

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    Melinda at countertop of MissouriGirl.com I’m Melinda. I’m a wife, mother, physical therapist, runner, and a born and bred Missouri Girl. I love creating a cozy home on a budget and created Missouri Girl Home to bring inspiring, beautiful, and budget-friendly ideas to your home. Read more about Mel.

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