Tuscan Farro & Bean Comfort Soup
This Tuscan Farro & Bean Comfort Soup is a delightful, hearty dish perfect for warming you up during the cold winter months. Inspired by flavors from Lucca, Tuscany, this recipe blends wholesome farro (or its substitutes, spelt or barley) with a medley of vegetables like onion, celery, and carrots, simmered in rich tomato broth. The addition of dried white beans enhances its nutritional profile while providing a satisfying texture. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a Parmesan rind as it cooks. Topped with fresh parsley and optional basil, this soup is not only a comforting meal but also a nutritious choice. Enjoy it with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a truly authentic Tuscan experience. Ideal for cozy dinners and meal prep alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Large onion
1 (Sliced)
Celery ribs
2 (Trimmed and chopped)
Carrots
2 (Peeled and chopped)
Salt
To taste (None)
Pepper
To taste (None)
Minced garlic
1 tablespoon (None)
Spelt or barley
1 cup (None)
Dried white beans
1 cup (Soaked for several hours or overnight)
Chopped tomatoes
2 cups (Canned are fine, do not drain)
Stock or water
6 cups (More as necessary)
Fresh parsley
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Fresh basil
1/4 cup (Chopped (optional))
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
To taste (None)
Instructions
1
In a large, deep saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced onion, chopped celery, and chopped carrots. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3
Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they become glossy and the onions are soft, about 5 to 10 minutes.
4
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5
Add the spelt (or barley) and soaked white beans to the pot, followed by the chopped tomatoes and stock. Stir everything together to combine.
6
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer.
7
Cook uncovered until the farro and beans are tender, which will take at least one hour. Keep an eye on the consistency; if it becomes too thick, gradually add more stock or water as necessary.
8
Once the grains and beans are tender, stir in the fresh parsley and basil, if using. Allow to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
9
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
10
Ladle into bowls and serve hot, topped with a generous helping of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tuscan Farro & Bean Comfort Soup?
It is a hearty and delightful dish inspired by the flavors of Lucca, Tuscany, blending wholesome grains with vegetables in a rich tomato broth.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include farro (or spelt/barley), dried white beans, onion, celery, carrots, chopped tomatoes, and stock.
Can I use barley instead of farro?
Yes, you can substitute farro with either spelt or barley for a similar wholesome texture.
How do I prepare the dried white beans?
The dried white beans should be soaked for several hours or overnight before being added to the soup pot.
How long should I soak the beans?
For the best results, soak the dried white beans for several hours or preferably overnight.
Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes, this soup is vegetarian, provided you use vegetable stock or water and traditional Parmesan cheese.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious choice featuring fiber-rich grains, protein-packed beans, and various fresh vegetables.
Can I make this soup vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese topping and ensure your stock is plant-based.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes a medley of sliced onion, chopped celery ribs, and peeled chopped carrots.
How long does it take to cook the soup?
Once the mixture is simmering, it takes at least one hour for the grains and beans to become tender.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, canned chopped tomatoes are perfectly fine for this recipe.
Should I drain the tomatoes before adding them?
No, do not drain the canned tomatoes; add them with their juices to help form the flavorful broth.
What type of stock should I use?
You can use either stock or water, depending on your preference and what you have available.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
Can I add a Parmesan rind while cooking?
Yes, adding a Parmesan rind while the soup simmers provides an extra layer of rich, savory flavor.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the onion, celery, and carrots have softened, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
When do I add the fresh herbs?
Stir in the fresh parsley and optional basil once the grains and beans are tender, then simmer for 5 more minutes.
What should I do if the soup becomes too thick?
If the consistency is too thick, gradually add more stock or water as necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
How many cups of stock are initially required?
The recipe starts with 6 cups of stock or water, but more can be added if the soup thickens too much.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, this hearty soup is ideal for meal prep as the flavors often improve after sitting.
What is the best way to serve this soup?
Ladle it into bowls and serve hot, topped with a generous helping of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I use spelt instead of farro?
Yes, 1 cup of spelt is a great substitute for farro in this comfort soup recipe.
What basic seasonings are used?
The soup is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste, along with the natural flavors of garlic and fresh herbs.
Where is this recipe inspired from?
The recipe is inspired by the traditional culinary flavors found in Lucca, Tuscany.
Is this soup specifically for winter?
While it can be enjoyed anytime, it is specifically described as a perfect dish for warming up during cold winter months.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried beans, you can use canned beans; just reduce the simmer time as they are already cooked.
How much farro, spelt, or barley is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of your chosen grain.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 peeled and chopped carrots.
What fresh herbs are recommended?
Fresh parsley is a key ingredient, and fresh basil is recommended as an optional addition.
How much garlic is in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for a fragrant flavor profile.