Farro is a dietitian-approved grain to cook with because of its delicious nutty flavor and impressive fiber and protein content (1). Semi-pearled farro is easy to find at grocery stores and is the star of this whole-grain risotto-like Instant Pot dish. Fresh peas (frozen is fine in a pinch), baby spinach and lemon give this hearty dish a beautiful pop of color and bright, fresh flavor.  

RD Tip: If desired, the baby spinach can be subbed with other vegetables such as fresh pea shoots or baby arugula.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes

Pressure Cooker Fresh Pea Farrotto

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large leek, light green and white parts only, rinsed well and thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups (270g) semi-pearled farro
• 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 2 1/2 cups (613g) chicken bone broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup (145g) shelled fresh peas (or frozen, thawed)
• 1/2 cup (40g) shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 cups (60g) baby spinach
• 2 tsp lemon juice

Directions

Add oil to Instant Pot, select Sauté and adjust to Normal/Medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the leeks and celery and cook, stirring frequently, until the leeks are tender, about 4 minutes. Add the farro and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute. Press Cancel.

Add the broth and bay leaf and stir to combine. Lock on the lid, select the Pressure Cook function and adjust to High pressure for 9 minutes. Make sure the steam valve is in the Sealing position.

When the cooking time is up, let the pressure come down naturally for 10 minutes, and then quick-release any remaining pressure. Stir in the peas and cheese. Cover and let stand for 3 minutes to allow the cooking liquid to thicken. Remove and discard bay leaf. Season with the salt and pepper.

Toss the baby spinach with the lemon juice. Divide the farrotto among 4 bowls. Top with the baby spinach and serve.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 ⅔ cups farrotto, 1/2 cup baby spinach

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 435; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 6g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 11mg; Sodium: 739mg; Carbohydrate: 60g; Dietary Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 19g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 222mg; Iron: 25%; Vitamin A: 33%; Vitamin C: 16%; Calcium: 20%

Originally published April 4, 2020; Updated May 2026

The post Pressure Cooker Fresh Pea Farrotto appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Robust spices toasted with canned chickpeas form the anchor of this quick lunch. The spiced chickpeas are piled onto a bed of lemony, salted yogurt, along with tomato, cucumber and avocado. The result is a filling vegetarian meal packed with fiber.

RD Tip: Chickpeas are a good source of fiber and protein. In fact, this recipe provides 48% of the daily fiber recommendations for women and 32% of daily fiber for men (1).

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes

Shawarma-Spiced Chickpea Bowls

Ingredients

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 (16-oz./454g) can low-sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3/4 cup plain 0% Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup tomato, diced
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1/2 medium avocado, peeled, pitted and diced

Directions

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add oil to the pan and swirl to coat. Stir in cumin, garlic powder, paprika and turmeric and cook for 30 seconds. Add chickpeas to pan; cook until lightly toasted, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt and pepper. In a medium bowl, combine tomato, cucumber and remaining 1/4 tsp salt.

Spread about 1/4 cup yogurt mixture onto the bottom of two shallow bowls. Arrange about 3/4 cup chickpeas, 1 cup tomato mixture and half of the avocado into each bowl.

Serves: 2 | Serving Size: 1 bowl

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 409; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 7g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 5mg; Sodium: 416mg; Carbohydrate: 51g; Dietary Fiber: 12g; Sugar: 13g; Protein 24g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 1127mg; Iron: 18%; Vitamin A: 26%; Vitamin C: 37%; Calcium: 18%

Originally published June 5, 2020; Updated February 2026

The post Shawarma-Spiced Chickpea Bowls appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.