Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom Recipe
If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels indulgent yet wholesome, Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom is the ultimate cozy treat to start your day. This bowl is creamy and satisfying, brimming with the fragrance of cardamom, warm cinnamon, naturally sweet dates, and tender farro. Each spoonful delivers a comforting mix of flavors and textures — think of rice pudding but with a delicious, nutritious twist. Whether you enjoy it topped with yogurt, toasted almonds, or fresh fruit, this Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom will quickly become your new favorite way to wake up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this pudding are a handful of simple staples, but every one of them plays a vital role, from the nutty chew of farro to the sweet pop of dates. When combined, they transform into something far more than the sum of their parts.
- Pearled farro (1 cup): Farro provides a hearty base, offering a slightly chewy texture and subtle nuttiness that holds up beautifully to simmered milk and spices.
- Whole milk or almond milk (2 1/2 cups): This is what gives your pudding creaminess; almond milk is a wonderful dairy-free alternative that adds a hint of nuttiness.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps prevent the pudding from getting too thick while the farro cooks.
- Ground cardamom (1/2 teaspoon): The secret spice that infuses each bite with exotic warmth and fragrance.
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Lends cozy comfort and familiar sweetness to the breakfast.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance and round out all the other flavors.
- Maple syrup or honey (1/4 cup): Adds gentle sweetness while keeping the pudding soft and luscious.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Offers that lovely finishing aroma and ties all the flavors together.
- Chopped Medjool dates, pitted (1/2 cup): These gems provide rich, natural sweetness and chewy bursts of caramel flavor.
- Chopped toasted almonds (1/4 cup, optional): Toss these on top for a perfect hit of crunch and a nutty finish.
- Fresh fruit or yogurt for serving (optional): Both add freshness and provide a creamy, tangy, or juicy contrast to the pudding’s richness.
How to Make Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom
Step 1: Rinse the Farro
Start by giving your farro a quick rinse under cold water. This helps remove any dust or excess starch, ensuring your finished Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom ends up with a lovely, clean texture. Drain well before adding to your saucepan.
Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, stir together your rinsed farro, milk, water, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. The scents of those spices are going to hit you right away! This is the very foundation of what makes Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom so irresistible.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and let it simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally, and watch as the farro softens and plumps, soaking up all those gorgeous aromatic flavors. After 25 to 30 minutes, most of the liquid should be absorbed and the grains should be tender but still pleasantly chewy.
Step 4: Sweeten and Add Dates
Now, stir in your maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and those gorgeous chopped Medjool dates. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the dates soften and melt ever-so-slightly into the pudding, bringing everything together.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Take the pan off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. This little pause allows the Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom to thicken and become spoonably creamy. Now you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom
Garnishes
Topping your bowl is half the fun! Sprinkle with toasted almonds for a buttery crunch, dot with seasonal fruit for freshness, or dollop on a little yogurt for cool, creamy contrast. Each garnish takes your Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom to another level.
Side Dishes
This hearty pudding is quite filling on its own, but you can always pair it with a crisp apple or a glass of orange juice for a bright, refreshing start to your morning. A cup of coffee or spiced chai also feels like the perfect companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom in clear glass jars for a pretty layered effect with yogurt and fruit, or spoon it into small bowls and finish each one with a drizzle of extra maple syrup. You can even make parfaits or stuff it into halved poached pears for a brunch-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors settle and deepen, making it an even more comforting option for hurried mornings or late-night treats.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your pudding for longer storage, portion it out into single-serving containers and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight; the texture may become a bit thicker, but it’s still utterly delicious once reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, simply scoop your Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom into a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of milk, and warm gently until heated through. Stir well to bring back that creamy consistency, and garnish as you like.
FAQs
Can I use another grain instead of farro?
Yes, you can swap farro for other hearty grains like barley, spelt, or even steel-cut oats, though cooking times may vary. Be sure to adjust the liquid and doneness to your chosen grain, but the overall recipe will work wonderfully.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Farro contains gluten, so the classic version isn’t gluten free. If you need a gluten-free breakfast pudding, try substituting with certified gluten-free oats or brown rice for a similar creamy porridge experience.
How sweet is Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom?
The pudding is gently sweetened with maple syrup (or honey) and naturally sweet dates, but you can absolutely adjust the sweetness to suit your taste. Like an extra-sweet breakfast? Add an extra drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkling of brown sugar on top.
Can I make Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors meld together even better after a night in the fridge. Just reheat with a splash of milk when you’re ready to enjoy it, and finish with your favorite toppings for a fuss-free breakfast.
What variations can I try with this pudding?
This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try swapping the almonds for pistachios or pecans, adding chopped dried apricots with the dates, or using coconut milk for extra richness. Play with the spices and toppings to create your custom Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to embrace a new breakfast ritual, give Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom a try. It’s easy, nourishing, and comfortingly delicious — the kind of recipe that brightens mornings and brings a little extra joy to your table.
Print
Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Start your morning with a delicious and wholesome Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates and Cardamom. This Middle Eastern-inspired dish combines the nuttiness of farro with the sweetness of dates and a hint of aromatic cardamom, creating a flavorful and satisfying breakfast pudding.
Ingredients
Farro:
- 1 cup pearled farro
For the Pudding:
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped Medjool dates (pitted)
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds (optional)
- Fresh fruit or yogurt for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the Farro: Rinse the farro under cold water and drain.
- Cook the Farro: In a medium saucepan, combine farro, milk, water, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes until tender.
- Add Sweeteners: Stir in maple syrup, vanilla extract, and dates. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until dates are soft.
- Thicken and Serve: Remove from heat and let sit to thicken. Serve warm topped with almonds, fruit, or yogurt.
Notes
- This pudding can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of milk.
- Adjust sweetness to taste.
- For extra richness, substitute part of the milk with coconut milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
