Broken Farro Porridge

If I were going to list my all-time favorite breakfasts ever, this broken farro porridge would definitely be near the top of the list. Top five, for sure.

And that is saying a lot, because I don’t normally consider myself an oatmeal or porridge person. I’m not even sure if oatmeal or porridge fanatics love it that much. Omelettes? Definitely. Waffles and pancakes? Of course! Runny eggs? Yes, the answer is always yes.

Porridge better be really special if it wants to compete with all of the other amazing breakfast foods out there, and you guys, this farro porridge is special.

Broken Farro Porridge with Coconut Milk, Almonds, & Roasted Plums

Broken Farro Grains

As is the case with many of the recipes on the blog, this one was inspired by a meal at a restaurant. Broken farro porridge is a dish served at Il Cane Rosso, a small order-at-the-counter cafe in San Francisco’s Ferry Building. It is one of their signature items, and rightly so.

Truth time? I only spent one full day in the city on my trip to San Francisco in August, and had a mini breakdown when we almost missed their breakfast window (breakfast is only served before 10:45 AM, and we arrived at the Ferry Building exactly five minutes before that).

I’m really not kidding. Ask my friend.

Broken Farro Porridge in Pot

Thankfully, we got there just in time and I savored every spoonful of the stuff. The trick to this amazing porridge is the broken farro. If you’re unfamiliar with it, farro is a variety of wheat that has become relatively popular over the last few years.

As the name suggests, it is literally broken. Ground to a relatively fine grain, which allows it to gain the creamiest of textures when cooked, but not so much so that it still retains great texture.

Since farro is only available in whole grain form, I’ve found that the best way to grind the farro yourself at home is using a high power blender (I used my Vitamix) or food processor. The good news? You don’t need to travel to San Francisco anymore to try it yourself.

Broken Farro Porridge

Il Cane Rosso’s broken farro is served beautifully, but very simply. The original comes with raisins and is topped with chopped toasted almonds. Although I love that version and would gladly have it every day of the week, I decided to change a few things myself without messing with the integrity of the dish.

The porridge itself is made by boiling water and slowly pouring in the broken farro, similarly to how you make polenta or grits. After the farro is completely cooked, you whisk in light coconut milk, a touch of maple syrup, and lots of vanilla extract. The coconut milk helps make the porridge extra creamy, and the vanilla and maple syrup add just enough sweetness and flavor. (Also, it’s vegan!)

I decided to top the whole thing off with roasted Damson plums, which are only available a few weeks out of the year, and are showcased best as a preserve, roasted, or stewed.  I’m clearly on a plum streak, but in all honesty, the tartness of the plums complements the porridge really well.

If you can’t find them, free to leave this part of the recipe out or substitute with this delicious roasted plum compote. It tastes just as good either way!

Broken Farro Porridge with Coconut Milk, Almonds, & Roasted Plums

Broken Farro Porridge with Coconut Milk, Almonds, & Roasted Plums

4.8 stars (4 ratings)
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Yield: 2 Servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
This broken farro porridge, inspired by Il Cane Rosso in San Francisco, is made with broken farro grains, ground to a relatively fine grain with a high-powered blender or food processor. It creates the creamiest of textures, especially when finished with creamy coconut milk. Top with roasted plums (or leftover plum compote) and toasted sliced almonds.

Ingredients

Roasted Plums:

  • 8-10 small Damson plums roughly ½ 1lb
  • 2 tablespoons turbinado or demerara sugar

Broken Farro Porridge:

  • ½ cup uncooked farro
  • 2 cups (480 mL) water
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ cup (180 mL) light coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • toasted sliced or chopped almonds
  • turbinado sugar for sprinkling

Instructions 

  • Roast Plums: Prepare the oven to 425°F (220°C) with a rack in the center position. Halve and pit the plums and place in a small roasting dish. Sprinkle the plums with the turbinado or demerara sugar. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes or until the plums are soft and lightly caramelized. Cool the plums on a rack as you prepare the farro porridge.
  • Prepare Farro Porridge: Place the farro in a high-powered blender, such as a Vitamix, or alternatively a high-powered food processor and process until mostly ground. You want the grains to be roughly ground with very small pieces of farro still visible.  Set aside.
  • In a small saucepan, bring the water and salt to a rolling boil. Slowly pour in the farro, whisking continuously with your other hand to prevent any lumps from forming.  Reduce the heat to low, and continue to cook the farro, whisking continously, for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened substantially and it is completely cooked.
  • Whisk in the coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and remove from the heat to cool slightly. Serve the porridge and top with toasted sliced almonds, roasted plums (or plum compote), and a sprinkling of turbinado sugar.
Inspired by Il Cane Rosso in San Francisco. Farro porridge can be made up to a week in advance and kept in an airtight container in the fridge (and reheated in the microwave to serve).
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 396kcal, Carbohydrates: 81g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 286mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 58g
Author: Laura / A Beautiful Plate
Course: Breakfast Grains and Granolas
Cuisine: American