What is farro and can I substitute something else?

Farro is an ancient wheat grain with a wonderful chewy texture and nutty flavor. If you can't find it, pearl barley makes an excellent substitute with a similar cooking time. Alternatively, you could use wheat berries, though they typically need a longer cooking time.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything except the peas, herbs, and cheese to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add peas during the last 30 minutes, and stir in fresh herbs just before serving.

How can I make this soup more filling?

This soup is already quite substantial, but for an even heartier meal, you could add Italian sausage (brown it before adding the vegetables), chicken, or double the beans. Another option is serving it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.

My soup is too thick/thin. How can I adjust it?

Farro will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits. If it's too thick, simply add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce, or blend a cup of the soup and stir it back in to thicken naturally.

Farro Soup with Hearty Vegetables Recipe

This Farro Soup with Hearty Vegetables is a rustic, comforting bowl of goodness that’ll warm you from the inside out. It’s packed with nutritious vegetables, protein-rich beans, and chewy farro that creates a satisfying texture in every spoonful. Ready in under an hour, this soup makes a perfect weeknight dinner when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nutritional Powerhouse: Loaded with vegetables, beans, and whole grain farro, this soup provides a complete meal in one pot.
Weeknight Friendly: Despite its complex flavors, this soup comes together in just 50 minutes – perfect for busy evenings when you still want something homemade.
Versatile: Works brilliantly as a standalone meal or paired with crusty bread for a heartier option.
Meal Prep Champion: Makes 8 servings, so you can enjoy it throughout the week or freeze portions for later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Farro: The star of the show! This ancient grain has a wonderful chewy texture and nutty flavor that makes the soup substantial and satisfying. Be sure to rinse it before adding.
Vegetable Stock: Forms the flavorful base of our soup. I recommend using unsalted stock so you can control the seasoning yourself.
Cannellini Beans: These creamy white beans add protein and a lovely texture contrast to the chewy farro.
Celery, Onion, Fennel, and Carrots: This classic mirepoix (with fennel as a delicious addition) creates a flavor foundation that can’t be beat.
Baby Tomatoes: These add brightness, acidity, and little bursts of flavor throughout the soup.
Tomato Paste: Just a tablespoon adds remarkable depth and richness to the broth.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme, basil, and parsley bring layers of fresh flavor that truly elevate this soup beyond the ordinary.
Peas: These sweet little gems add color and a pop of sweetness.
Parmesan Cheese: A must for garnishing! The salty, umami finish brings everything together.
Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Heartier

Add Italian sausage, shredded chicken, or cubed ham for a meatier version.

Different Grains

No farro? Try barley, wheat berries, or even brown rice (adjusting cooking time accordingly).

Seasonal Swaps

In summer, add zucchini and yellow squash. In fall, try cubed butternut squash or sweet potato.

Vegan Option

Skip the Parmesan or replace with nutritional yeast for a plant-based alternative.

How to Make Farro Soup with Hearty Vegetables

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add celery, onion, fennel, carrots, garlic, thyme, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. This is where we build incredible flavor, so don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Add Tomato Elements

Stir in tomato paste until vegetables are coated, then add halved baby tomatoes. The tomato paste might seem like a small addition, but it adds remarkable depth to the soup.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Bring to Boil

Pour in vegetable broth and water, then bring everything to a boil over high heat. The combination of stock and water creates a perfectly balanced broth.

Step 4: Cook the Farro and Beans

Once boiling, add rinsed farro and drained beans, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the farro is tender but still pleasantly chewy.

Step 5: Finish with Peas and Seasonings

Add peas and cover the pot again, cooking for about 5 more minutes until they’re tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle soup into bowls and top with fresh basil, parsley, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Toast the Farro: For even more nutty flavor, toast the farro in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the soup.
Season in Layers: Add salt at different stages of cooking rather than all at once at the end.
Don’t Overcook: Farro should be tender but still slightly chewy. Overcooking will make it mushy.
Fresh Herbs Matter: While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh herbs really make this soup sing, especially in the final garnish.
Rest Before Serving: Let the soup sit for 5-10 minutes after cooking. Like most soups, the flavor improves as it rests.

How to Serve

This farro soup is tremendously versatile when it comes to serving options:

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a crusty loaf of Italian bread or garlic bread for soaking up the delicious broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes the meal complete.

Toppings Bar

Set out extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, lemon wedges, and olive oil so everyone can customize their bowl.

Wine Pairing

A medium-bodied Italian white like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino complements the soup beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup actually improves with time! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The farro will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.

Freezing

Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. The texture of the vegetables might change slightly, but the flavor remains excellent.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through, adding extra broth if needed to reach your desired consistency. For quick meals, microwave individual portions in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between.

FAQs

What is farro and can I substitute something else?

Farro is an ancient wheat grain with a wonderful chewy texture and nutty flavor. If you can’t find it, pearl barley makes an excellent substitute with a similar cooking time. Alternatively, you could use wheat berries, though they typically need a longer cooking time.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything except the peas, herbs, and cheese to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add peas during the last 30 minutes, and stir in fresh herbs just before serving.
How can I make this soup more filling?

This soup is already quite substantial, but for an even heartier meal, you could add Italian sausage (brown it before adding the vegetables), chicken, or double the beans. Another option is serving it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
My soup is too thick/thin. How can I adjust it?

Farro will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits. If it’s too thick, simply add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce, or blend a cup of the soup and stir it back in to thicken naturally.

Final Thoughts

This Farro Soup with Hearty Vegetables is truly comfort in a bowl – nutritious, flavorful, and satisfying without being heavy. I love how it strikes that perfect balance between wholesome and delicious, making it a recipe I return to again and again throughout the year. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week ahead, or simply craving a nourishing bowl of soup, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try and discover your new favorite comfort food!

Farro Soup with Hearty Vegetables Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main-course
Method: One Pot & One Pan
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A nourishing Farro Soup packed with hearty vegetables, tender farro, creamy cannellini beans, and aromatic herbs simmered in a rich vegetable broth. This comforting one-pot meal is loaded with nutrients and flavor, making it a satisfying vegetarian option perfect for cozy nights or wholesome family dinners.

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables – In a large pot, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the celery, onion, fennel, carrots, garlic, thyme, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add Tomato Paste – Stir in the tomato paste and mix well until it coats all the vegetables, allowing the flavor to deepen and combine thoroughly.
Add Tomatoes and Liquids – Pour in the sliced baby tomatoes, vegetable broth, and water. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Add Farro and Beans – Once boiling, add the rinsed farro and cannellini beans. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer. Cook for about 25 minutes or until the farro grains are tender and cooked through.
Add Peas and Finish Cooking – Stir in the peas, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the peas are heated through and tender.
Season and Serve – Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as desired. Divide the soup evenly among serving bowls and garnish with sliced basil, chopped Italian parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor.