These Lamb Meatball Farro Bowl are deceivingly simple. Which is why they are great for guests... prep most of the meal ahead of time or don't [can totally be done in less than 1 hour]. Either way, you can totally make this for your next chill night at home with friends.
THE DETAILS
Dinner for 2-10
Make ahead (even the night before) - Cook farro, Make salad dressing(s)
Morning of - Chop vegetables. Make meatball mixture.
Right before guests arrived - Cooked the meatballs. Set out all other ingredients on the table.
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When would this be the perfect dinner option?
- Ladies Night
- Sunday Dinner
- Weeknight Dinner
- Meal Prep for the week
- Combine in a big bowl for a hearty potluck salad
THE PLAN
- Day-before/ Morning of
- Cook farro [or another grain]
- Make salad dressing
- Day-Of
- Cut vegetables/toppings
- Cook lamb meatballs
What is Farro?
Farro is a chewier, nuttier grain derived from wheat.
It is NOT GLUTEN-FREE.
You can find farro in the bulk section of most grocery stores. I have also seen it at trader joes.
It is incredibly easy to cook. Combine 1 CUP FARRO + 1 1/2 CUPS WATER + a pinch of salt in a medium pot. Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Once simmering, set a timer for 15 minutes. No need to cover. Cook until the farro is tender. There will be some excess water in the pot, which you will need to drain.
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
When you plate this, be sure to consider dietary restrictions. If you have a vegetarian in the group, be sure the meat is in it's own container. Someone that is dairy free - make sure the cheese isn't touching all the vegetables. You get the picture. It might require a couple of extra bowls, but it is worth it.
Dairy Free - Leave the feta cheese on the side of the farro + out of the meatballs. Make my red wine vinaigrette as a second dressing option.
Gluten Free - Sub panko in the Lamb Meatballs for gluten-free bread crumbs. Use quinoa instead of farro.
Vegetarian - Serve the meat in a separate dish, so it isn't touching all other goodies. Add the roasted chickpeas sprinkled with z'atar or any other greek seasoning blend so that there is a vegetarian protein option.
Ways to Simplify
- Sub out the frozen pre-cooked quinoa you can find in most grocery store freezer sections now-a-days for the farro.
- Buy a pre-made dressing or tzatiki sauce at the store.
What you are setting out on the table
- Plates, Forks, Knives
- Servings Spoons/Forks for the toppings
- Dish of toppings
- Dish of lamb meatballs
- Bowl of Farro
- Salad Dressing(s)
I love this Lamb Meatball Farro Bowl for your next gathering because it is
Can mostly be made ahead of time
Easy for guests to modify to dietary restrictions
Flavorful
Fresh
& Easy to double or triple
Feeling like more hearty salads/ grain bowls. Take a peek at our Mediterranean Lentil Salad and our Build-Your Own Steak Salad.
If you try this meal, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #eternalhostess on Instagram. Enjoy!
