Farro Soup Recipe

Farro soup is one of those dishes that perfectly balances heartiness and warmth, making it a beloved comfort food. Originating from Italy, farro is an ancient grain that has been enjoyed for thousands of years. Its nutty, slightly chewy texture makes it a great addition to soups, salads, and even risottos. In this recipe, we will explore a simple, yet flavorful farro soup that’s packed with vegetables, legumes, and savory broth. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch, a wholesome dinner, or a meal prep option for the week, this farro soup is bound to hit the spot. Plus, farro is a powerhouse of nutrition-it’s rich in fiber, protein, and various essential minerals.

Let’s dive into the recipe and take a look at everything you’ll need to make this wonderful dish, from the ingredients to the cooking instructions, as well as some expert tips and variations for putting your own spin on this soup.

Farro Soup Recipe

This farro soup is a flavorful combination of earthy farro, fresh vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. The ingredients come together to create a soul-warming dish perfect for any season. In this recipe, we’ll focus on creating a broth that’s both rich in flavor and texture, allowing the farro to shine. The soup is perfect for vegetarians but can easily be adapted for those who enjoy meat. It’s versatile, healthy, and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a list of everything you need to gather to make this farro soup:

• 1 cup of farro: The star ingredient. It’s an ancient grain that cooks up to a chewy, nutty texture. You can use either pearled or semi-pearled farro, depending on the cook time you prefer.
• 1 medium onion: Adds a mild sweetness and savory base flavor to the soup.
• 2 medium carrots: Provides a touch of sweetness and color.
• 2 celery stalks: Brings in freshness and crunch.
• 4 cloves garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic flavor.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and richness to the soup.
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarians): The base liquid of the soup. The broth can make a huge difference in the soup’s flavor, so use one that you enjoy.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables, giving them a deep flavor before the broth is added.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that complements the earthy farro and vegetables.
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a woodsy aroma and flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. Don’t skimp on seasoning, as the salt enhances all the flavors.
• 1 bay leaf: Adds depth and complexity to the broth.
• 1/2 cup chopped kale or spinach (optional): To add some green leafy goodness and extra nutrients.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional): Adds brightness to the soup, especially when serving.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, here’s how you can make this delicious farro soup:

1. Prepare The Farro

   • If using pearled farro, rinse it well under cold water. For semi-pearled or whole farro, it may require a longer cooking time.
   • In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the farro and reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 20-30 minutes (depending on the type of farro). Once cooked, drain the farro and set it aside.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onions become translucent.
   • Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

3. Add The Broth And Tomatoes

   • Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine.
   • Add the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer.

4. Simmer And Add The Farro

   • Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes so that the flavors meld together.
   • Add the cooked farro to the pot and stir. Allow it to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the farro has absorbed some of the broth and the soup is nice and thickened.

5. Finish And Serve

   • If you’re adding kale or spinach, toss it in just before serving, allowing the greens to wilt.
   • Stir in a little lemon juice for brightness if you like.
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Serve your farro soup hot, topped with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for extra flavor!

Ingredient Insights

Here’s a breakdown of why each ingredient is important for this farro soup:

• Farro: It’s a complex carbohydrate, so it provides long-lasting energy and is a great source of fiber, protein, and important minerals like magnesium, zinc, and iron.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onions, and garlic not only form the flavorful foundation of the soup but also provide an array of nutrients. They contribute fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to make the soup a wholesome, nutrient-packed dish.
• Broth: The broth is the liquid base, and it’s essential for flavor. Vegetable broth is lighter and allows the other flavors to come through, while chicken broth adds a richer taste.
• Herbs and Spices: Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves are traditional herbs that complement farro’s nutty flavor. They also add depth to the broth without overpowering the dish.

Expert Tips

To elevate your farro soup even further, consider these expert tips:

• Pre-cook the Farro: If you’re short on time, you can pre-cook the farro and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before adding it to the soup. This saves a lot of time when preparing the dish.
• Use Homemade Broth: If you have time, making homemade vegetable or chicken broth can drastically improve the flavor of the soup. Fresh broth adds richness and complexity that store-bought broth can’t match.
• Add Beans for Extra Protein: For a heartier soup, consider adding a can of beans (such as white beans or chickpeas) in place of or alongside the farro.
• Don’t Skip the Lemon: A splash of lemon juice at the end of cooking helps brighten the flavors and adds a layer of freshness.
• Let It Rest: Like most soups, this farro soup gets even better the next day. If you have leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature and refrigerate. The farro will absorb more of the broth overnight, resulting in an even richer flavor when reheated.

Recipe Variations

While this farro soup is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to tweak it to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations:

• Add Meat: If you like a meatier soup, consider adding some sausage or chicken. For sausage, cook it in the same pot before adding the vegetables to let the flavors infuse the soup. For chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken works well.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili to the soup while sautéing the vegetables. This will give the soup a nice kick.
• Use Different Greens: Instead of kale or spinach, you could use Swiss chard, collard greens, or even arugula for a peppery touch.
• Tomato Paste: For a richer, more intense tomato flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste when you sauté the vegetables. This deepens the flavor of the broth.
• Add Cheese: If you’re a fan of cheese, try adding grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top of the soup when serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Final Words

Farro soup is a wonderfully versatile and nourishing dish that can easily be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. It’s a dish that invites creativity while staying true to the basics: wholesome grains, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this soup is easy to make and rewarding to enjoy. With a few tweaks here and there, you can create a version that perfectly suits your taste.