As the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade soup to warm your belly and soul. Today, we’re sharing a nutritious (loaded with tons of veggies) and delicious recipe for Farro and White Bean Soup. It’s the perfect meal for a cold day or a quick lunch and it’s super easy to make. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1 cup of dry farro (From Trader Joe’s!)
• 1 cup of canned white beans
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks of celery, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 tablespoon of dried parsley
• 1/2 tablespoon of dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, but adds a kick!)
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
• 6 cups of vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 rind of Parmesan cheese (a secret ingredient!)
• A handful of fresh spinach

Directions

Step 1: Rinse the Farro

• Give the farro a good rinse in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Then, let it drain and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté

• Heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 4-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Add some dried parsley, dried basil, chili flakes (if you like a little spice), and a pinch of salt to the pot. Saute the spices for about 30 seconds, until they become fragrant. Your taste buds will be tingling in anticipation!

Step 4: Mix in Farro and White Beans

• Now it’s time to add the rinsed farro and those lovely white beans. Stir them in to coat them with the flavorful vegetable mixture. To make this dish even heartier, add some diced tomatoes, broth, and the secret ingredient: a Parmesan cheese rind. Give everything a good stir to make sure all the ingredients are friends.

Step 5: Bring to a Simmer

• With all the ingredients swimming together, it’s time to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Now, let it all simmer for about 1 hour, or until the farro and beans are tender and the flavors have melted together into pure deliciousness.

Step 6: Add the Greens

• When the farro and beans are tender, toss in the chopped spinach. Stir it into the soup and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the spinach wilts and turns a vibrant shade of green. Your soup is now bursting with color and nutrition!

Step 7: Season to Perfection

• It’s time to say goodbye to the Parmesan cheese rind. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, adding more if needed. Every pot of soup is different, so this is where you can make it your own.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Your Farro and White Bean Soup is ready to be served. Ladle it into bowls, and enjoy it right away. The only thing left to do is savor each spoonful and let the warmth of this hearty soup fill your heart and soul.

Serving Tips

• Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
• Pair it with a slice of crusty bread, and you’ll have the perfect meal for a quick lunch or a cozy night in.

Now that you’ve got the recipe, it’s time to put on your apron, head to the kitchen, and let the delicious smells of this soup fill your home!  For more fun recipes, nutrition tips, and resources, follow us on Instagram!