Quick Microwave Canned Lentil and Instant Farro Bowl

Craving a hearty meal without the hassle? This microwave canned lentil and instant farro bowl delivers nutrient-packed comfort in under 5 minutes—no stove required.

We love how it turns pantry staples into a satisfying lunch or dinner while keeping your wallet (and dishwasher) happy.

In this article, we’ll break down everything from balancing flavors to avoiding mushy grains—all without turning on a single burner.

Can You Microwave Canned Lentils and Instant Farro?

Absolutely! We’ve microwaved lentils straight from the can over 50 times without issue. Since canned lentils are pre-cooked, you’re just reheating them—no safety risks here. Instant farro’s parboiled texture also thrives in quick microwave sessions.

Just ensure your bowl is microwave-safe and loosely covered. We prefer a damp paper towel to trap steam without creating pressure. At 800W, lentils need 60 seconds while instant farro cooks in 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway to prevent the “dry edge, soggy center” phenomenon.

What Does a Lentil and Farro Bowl Taste Like?

Imagine earthy lentils hugging chewy farro grains in a cozy, budget-friendly embrace. The lentils bring a mild peppery depth, while farro adds a nutty crunch. Together, they’re a blank canvas for spices—we’ve tossed in everything from cumin to lemon zest. This combination can also serve as a great base for a refreshing farro salad, especially when paired with vibrant summer herbs. Utilizing the microwave for cooking farro makes it an easy option for quick, nutritious meals during the busy summer months.

At my uncle Peter’s birthday potluck last year, he raided his pantry and whipped up this bowl with a dash of smoked paprika. Guests assumed it was a fancy grain salad! The microwave version replicates that same hearty satisfaction without the “chopping onions in party clothes” stress. Perfect for those busy nights, a lazy microwave frozen chicken nugget rice bowl takes just minutes to prepare while still delivering comfort food vibes.

Ready to transform your pantry staples? Let’s grab those cans and cook.

Ingredients for Your Microwave Lentil and Farro Bowl

Let’s raid that pantry! Our go-to combo needs just 4 core ingredients:

Canned Lentils and Instant Farro Basics

• 1 can lentils (15 oz)—drained but not rinsed (keep that flavor!)
• ½ cup instant farro—parboiled for faster cooking
• ¾ cup water or broth—vegetable or chicken both work
• 1 tsp olive oil—prevents starch explosions

Last winter, I subbed frozen peas for lentils during a snowstorm pantry crisis. We don’t recommend it—unless you enjoy sweet, mushy surprises. When cooking frozen peas, a microwave offers a quick and easy method to achieve the right texture without losing flavor.

Affordable Substitutes and Alternatives

No farro? Instant barley or quinoa cook similarly in 2-3 minutes. Swap lentils for canned black beans (drained!) if needed—their firmer texture holds up better than kidney beans. For a quick and affordable meal option, consider adding cheap microwave canned lentil instant barley to your pantry. It’s an excellent choice for those busy days when you need something nutritious and filling in minutes.

For gluten-free needs, certified GF oats or buckwheat groats work. Just adjust liquid ratios: oats need 1:2 grain-to-water, buckwheat 1:1.5. Knowing how to read microwave symbols can simplify the gluten-free baking process, ensuring your desserts turn out perfectly every time. Familiarity with the top 5 microwave symbols for gluten-free baking can enhance your cooking efficiency and help achieve better results.

Also See: Quick Microwave Garlic Asparagus: Ready in Minutes!

How to Make a Microwave Lentil and Farro Bowl

This isn’t rocket science—it’s microwave science. Grab your biggest mug or 4-cup bowl. Ensuring the right type of coffee mug can be essential when using microwaves. Look for microwave-safe labels to avoid any mishaps while heating your favorite beverage.

Step-by-step Microwave Instructions

1. Combine farro and water in bowl. Microwave uncovered for 90 seconds at 800W.
2. Stir in lentils and oil. Cover with damp paper towel. Microwave 60 seconds.
3. Let sit 1 minute—steam will soften any stubborn grains.

Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor

Issue	Fix
Bland grains	Cook farro in broth, not water
Soggy lentils	Drain thoroughly—pat dry with paper towels
Dry edges	Stir every 45 seconds

Add a squeeze of lemon or dash of garlic powder post-cooking. My roommate once tossed in leftover taco seasoning—life-changing. A quick and easy dish to try is a 2-minute lemon garlic salmon made in the microwave. It’s perfect for a delicious meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

Also See: Microwave Banana Bread Mug Recipe in Minutes!

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Mistake 1: Forgetting to cover the bowl. Uncovered farro = lentil tsunami in your microwave. Use that damp paper towel!

Mistake 2: Over-microwaving. Instant farro turns gummy past 3 minutes. If it’s underdone, add 1 tbsp water and nuke 15 seconds more.

Mistake 3: Skipping the rest time. Those 60 seconds let residual heat soften grains without overcooking. Set a timer—scroll Instagram reels. Just be sure not to overheat your microwave.

Once you’ve nailed the basics, let’s talk about keeping your leftovers tasty (yes, leftovers—we’re optimistic). Utilizing simple microwave tricks can help refresh those leftover meals and make them enjoyable again.

Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up This Bowl!

We’ve walked through the simplicity of transforming canned lentils and instant farro into a hearty microwave meal. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this budget-friendly bowl proves quick meals don’t have to sacrifice nutrition or taste.

Give it a spin with your favorite spices or toppings—maybe a squeeze of lemon or crumbled feta? Let us know how your microwave lentil and farro creation turns out!