A Nutrient Rich Southern Inspired Grain Bowl
Looking for a grain bowl recipe that balances nutrition with indulgent flavors? This Okra Farro Bowl with Bacon Vinaigrette delivers a perfect harmony of hearty grains, roasted vegetables, and smoky bacon in one satisfying dish. Combining Southern cooking traditions with modern culinary techniques, this recipe creates a restaurant quality experience right in your kitchen.
The Perfect Farro Base for Nutrient Rich Bowls
Farro serves as the foundation of this exceptional grain bowl. This ancient grain provides a nutty flavor that intensifies when cooked in vegetable broth, creating a chewy texture that stands up beautifully to the other components. Its excellent nutritional profile with protein, fiber, and essential minerals makes this bowl a complete meal option. When properly prepared, farro maintains its pleasant chewy bite while absorbing the rich flavors of the cooking liquid, creating a foundation that supports the bolder ingredients while contributing its own distinct character to the dish.
Roasted Vegetable Components That Elevate The Bowl
The vegetable elements in this grain bowl create complexity through varied cooking techniques. Charred okra with caramelized exteriors and tender interiors provides a distinctly Southern flavor profile, while burst cherry tomatoes release their sweet juices when roasted, adding natural sweetness. Fresh peppery arugula provides bright contrast and a nutritional boost, complemented by pickled red onions that contribute acidic notes and vibrant color. Each component undergoes specific preparation to maximize its contribution to the overall dish, with high heat roasting methods creating concentrated flavors through caramelization while maintaining textural contrast.
Bacon Vinaigrette: The Signature Flavor Component
What transforms this farro bowl from good to exceptional is the carefully crafted bacon vinaigrette. This dressing combines crispy bacon pieces providing smoky richness with rendered bacon fat creating luxurious mouthfeel. Red wine vinegar cuts through richness with bright acidity, while Dijon mustard emulsifies while adding complex tang. Garlic and red pepper flakes introduce aromatic depth and gentle heat to complete this signature dressing that ties together all elements of the bowl. The balance of fat, acid, salt, and heat creates a vinaigrette that enhances every component without overwhelming them, making each bite satisfying and complex.
Versatility for Meal Planning and Dietary Preferences
This adaptable recipe works beautifully in various contexts, from meal prep for healthy weekday lunches to serving as a hearty side dish alongside grilled proteins. It can function as a base for brunch bowls topped with poached eggs or be made vegetarian friendly when prepared with smoked paprika instead of bacon. The bowl components can be prepared ahead and assembled just before serving, making it perfect for busy households seeking nutritious but flavorful meals. Seasonal adaptations allow this recipe to remain relevant year round by incorporating winter squash, sweet potatoes, or seasonal greens depending on what’s available.
Southern Influence Meets Modern Grain Bowl Trends
This recipe represents the perfect intersection of traditional Southern ingredients and contemporary cuisine. It takes classic Southern okra and bacon and reimagines them in a fresh format with modern grain bowl presentation and intentional component arrangement. The dish balances nutritional awareness with indulgent flavors while applying restaurant techniques to home cooking. For those seeking healthy grain bowl recipes with bold flavors, this Okra Farro Bowl with Bacon Vinaigrette delivers exceptional results through its thoughtful combination of hearty farro, caramelized vegetables, fresh greens, and that signature bacon vinaigrette. Whether enjoyed as a complete meal or as a side dish alongside your favorite protein, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your cooking repertoire for its ability to satisfy on every level.
Okra Farro Bowl with Bacon Vinaigrette
4
servings15
minutes30
minutes45
minutesThis Okra Farro Bowl with Bacon Vinaigrette blends roasted okra, cherry tomatoes, and hearty farro with a smoky, tangy dressing. Finished with fresh arugula, parsley, and pickled red onions, it’s a vibrant, deeply satisfying dish rooted in comfort and balance.
Ingredients
- For the Bowl
1 cup farro
4 cups of vegetable broth
1 pound okra, halved lengthwise
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups arugula
1/4 cup parsley leaves
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
for serving, pickled red onions
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
for garnish, red pepper flakes
- For the Bacon Vinaigrette
4 strips of bacon
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 clove of garlic
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon maple syrup
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
- Cook the Farro:
Combine the farro and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until tender. Drain any excess liquid and set aside. - Roast the Vegetables:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the okra and cherry tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and ground black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes. Set aside. - Cook the Bacon:
Cook the bacon in a medium skillet until crispy, 6-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cool. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet. - Make the Bacon Vinaigrette:
Combine the bacon fat, crumbled bacon, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, and one peeled garlic clove in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and emulsified. - Assemble the Bowl:
Combine the cooked farro, roasted okra, roasted tomatoes, arugula, parsley, and bacon in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the bacon vinaigrette and toss to coat. - Finish and Serve:
Spoon the farro mixture onto a serving plate or shallow bowl, letting the roasted vegetables and greens layer naturally. Top with pickled red onions, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a final crack of black pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.
SUGGESTED RECIPE: Southern Skillet Okra Hash with Tahini Aioli
Crispy skillet-seared okra, tender potatoes, and warm spices come together under a rich drizzle of tahini aioli in this bold, Southern-meets-Mediterranean hash. It’s a craveable, comforting dish that balances creamy, crispy, and savory in every bite.
