Farro Bread Recipe

Learn how to make this homemade rustic farro bread with an artisanal crust and nutty interior. The best easy baking recipe that transforms ancient grains into a hearty loaf with exceptional flavor and texture. Perfect for beginners looking to explore heritage grain baking at home.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
An overhead shot of a round artisanal Farro Bread with a deeply golden, crackled crust dusted with flour, placed on a weathered wooden board. A cross-section slice reveals a rustic open crumb structure with visible farro grains throughout the tan interior. Soft natural light streams from a nearby window, highlighting the bread's textural details and creating gentle shadows. Scattered whole farro grains and a small bowl of olive oil with herbs surround the loaf, while a linen napkin and vintage bread knife rest alongside, suggesting the promise of a hearty meal to come.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g cooked farro (semi-pearled farro boiled until tender)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">350g bread flour (plus extra for dusting)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g whole wheat flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">7g instant yeast (or 9g active dry yeast)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">10g salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">25g honey (or maple syrup)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300-320ml warm water (around 38°C)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Dutch oven or heavy baking dish with lid</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Banneton basket or bowl lined with a tea towel</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Dough scraper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Scoring blade or sharp knife</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin by cooking the farro if not already prepared. Rinse 100g of semi-pearled farro, then simmer in plenty of water for about 25-30 minutes until tender but still slightly chewy. Drain thoroughly and allow to cool to room temperature. This can be done a day ahead and refrigerated.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, whole wheat flour, and instant yeast (if using active dry yeast, activate it first in the warm water with a pinch of sugar for 5-10 minutes until foamy). Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the yeast.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the cooked, cooled farro to the flour mixture and mix well. The cooked grains will help retain moisture in your finished loaf, contributing to a longer shelf life and a delightful chew.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in the warm water, honey, and olive oil. Start with 300ml of water, reserving the rest to adjust consistency as needed. The honey will add a subtle sweetness that balances the nutty farro flavors and helps feed the yeast.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Mix everything together with a wooden spoon or your hands until no dry flour remains. The dough will look shaggy and somewhat uneven, which is perfect at this stage. Only now add the salt and work it through the dough - adding salt later prevents it from interfering with initial yeast development.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten structure needed to trap air bubbles during fermentation. The dough should feel slightly tacky but not sticky - add the remaining water if it feels too dry, or a sprinkle of flour if too wet.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This slow rise allows for flavor development as the starches begin to break down into more complex sugars.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Gently deflate the dough and give it a brief fold-over on itself (4-6 folds) to redistribute the yeast. Shape it into a tight round by pulling the edges underneath and rotating it, creating surface tension that will help it hold its shape during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Place the shaped dough seam-side up in a well-floured banneton basket or a bowl lined with a floured tea towel. Cover and let rise for another 45-60 minutes until visibly puffy but not quite doubled. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F) with the Dutch oven inside to heat up.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>When ready to bake, carefully turn your dough out onto a piece of parchment paper (seam-side down). Score the top with a sharp blade in your desired pattern - this isn't just decorative but allows for controlled expansion during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Using the parchment as a sling, lower the dough into the preheated Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 25 minutes. The covered baking creates steam that develops a beautiful crust. Then remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes until deeply golden and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom (internal temperature should reach about 95°C/200°F).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Transfer to a wire rack and resist the temptation to cut into it right away! Allow the bread to cool completely (at least 1 hour) before slicing. This resting period allows the crumb structure to set and the moisture to distribute evenly throughout the loaf, resulting in the perfect texture and flavor.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Farro Bread?

Farro Bread contains cooked farro grain, bread flour, whole wheat flour, instant yeast, salt, honey, olive oil, and warm water. The farro adds a delightful nutty flavour and chewy texture, while the combination of flours creates the perfect rustic structure.

How to cook Farro Bread at home?

Learn how to cook Farro Bread by first preparing cooked farro, then combining it with a mixture of flours and yeast. After incorporating warm water, honey and olive oil, knead the dough thoroughly, allow it to rise twice, then bake in a preheated Dutch oven for a crusty exterior and tender interior with nutty farro grains throughout.

Can I substitute different ancient grains for the farro in this artisanal bread?

Yes, you can experiment with other ancient grains like spelt, einkorn, or barley. Each grain will impart its unique flavour profile and texture. Ensure the grains are cooked to a similar tenderness as farro before incorporating them into your dough for consistent results.

Why is a Dutch oven recommended for baking rustic bread with ancient grains?

A Dutch oven creates a mini steam oven environment that's crucial for developing that beautiful artisanal crust. The enclosed space traps moisture from the dough during the first stage of baking, allowing for optimal rise and crust formation before removing the lid for browning.

How should I store homemade whole grain bread to maintain freshness?

Store your bread at room temperature in a paper bag or bread box for 2-3 days. For longer storage, slice the completely cooled loaf and freeze in an airtight container. The high farro content helps this bread maintain moisture longer than typical white bread.

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Will definitely make again!", "name": "Excellent Texture", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Hiroshi Tanaka", "datePublished": "2024-04-18", "reviewBody": "Best sandwich bread I've made! The farro adds such a wonderful dimension to the flavor profile. I've been using it for everything from avocado toast to hearty sandwiches. My new go-to recipe for homemade bread.", "name": "Versatile Bread", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Aisha Patel", "datePublished": "2024-04-10", "reviewBody": "Incredible crust, worth the effort! The technique of baking in a Dutch oven really makes a difference. I appreciate the detailed instructions on temperature and timing. 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