Farro Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl, a wholesome antidote to a busy day. This hearty, one-pot wonder is generously loaded with vibrant, garden-fresh vegetables, a rich and aromatic seasoned broth, and the deliciously satisfying goodness of pearled farro. Simple to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and deeply nourishing, it’s the perfect dish to warm you from the inside out and make you feel truly great. To elevate your experience, top your steaming bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a grating of Parmesan cheese, then grab some crusty bread for the ultimate dunking delight.

Wholesome & Delicious Farro Soup: Your Go-To One-Pot Meal

Welcome to a truly special recipe that has quickly become a beloved staple in countless homes, including mine. This Farro Soup isn’t just another dish; it’s an experience of warmth, profound nutrition, and incredible depth of flavor. It proudly holds a spot among my all-time favorite soup creations. If you’re eager to discover more comforting, nourishing, and healthy soup ideas that bring joy to your table, I invite you to explore our complete collection of delightful soup recipes.

The Magic of Farro: A Nutritional Powerhouse in Your Pantry

For those who have already had the pleasure of trying my popular Sweet Potato Farro Salad, you’re likely already well-acquainted with the exceptional qualities of this ancient grain. For newcomers to the world of farro, allow me to introduce you to a truly remarkable ingredient that deserves a permanent, cherished spot in your pantry. Farro is an ancient wheat grain, celebrated for its rich, nutty flavor and a uniquely satisfying, chewy texture. It’s often compared to barley but typically boasts a slightly firmer bite and a distinct earthy undertone that profoundly elevates any dish it graces.

Beyond its delightful taste and intriguing texture, farro is an impressive nutritional powerhouse. It stands as an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is crucial for promoting healthy digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods. Additionally, farro provides a significant amount of plant-based protein, essential B vitamins (such as niacin and thiamine), and vital minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc. Incorporating farro into your regular diet is a simple yet incredibly effective way to boost your intake of wholesome whole grains, contributing significantly to your overall health and well-being.

This Farro Soup recipe perfectly showcases farro’s remarkable ability to transform a simple, humble vegetable broth into a profoundly satisfying and utterly complete meal. It embodies the ultimate “feel-good” comfort food. The very moment someone in my family starts to feel under the weather, or when the crisp autumn air transitions into a chilly winter breeze, this soup is inevitably simmering gently on my stove. It’s not just incredibly delicious and wonderfully flavorful; it’s genuinely restorative, offering warmth and comfort that always hits the spot, making everyone feel better with every single spoonful.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Farro Soup: Building Layers of Flavor

Crafting this exceptionally flavorful Farro Soup begins with selecting fresh, high-quality, and wholesome ingredients. Each component is meticulously chosen for its unique contribution, playing a crucial role in building the soup’s robust flavor profile, rich aroma, and satisfyingly hearty texture. Here’s a detailed guide to what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

• Olive Oil: The foundational element of our soup, high-quality extra-virgin olive oil provides a rich, aromatic base for sautéing our medley of vegetables. It infuses the soup with a subtle, yet distinct, Mediterranean flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Mirepoix (Yellow Onion, Carrots, Celery): This classic aromatic trio is truly the soul of many great soups and stews. Finely dicing these vegetables allows their natural sugars and savory essences to release slowly and evenly during sautéing, building a profound depth of flavor that forms the backbone of our broth.
• Sweet Potato: Beyond adding a delightful natural sweetness, sweet potatoes contribute a pleasant, slightly creamy texture to the soup, enriching its body. They also significantly boost the nutritional value with an abundance of vitamins, particularly Vitamin A, and powerful antioxidants. Remember to always peel them to ensure a smooth, pleasant texture in the finished soup, avoiding any tough skin.
• White Mushrooms: These humble fungi are a secret weapon for adding an exquisite umami richness and a wonderful earthy depth to the soup. Chopping them to a similar size as your other vegetables ensures they cook evenly and integrate beautifully, distributing their savory notes throughout the broth.
• Fresh Garlic: Absolutely essential for its pungent aroma and robust, zesty flavor. Freshly minced garlic provides a sharp, warm counterpoint to the sweetness of the vegetables and harmonizes perfectly with the herb blend.
• Thoughtful Seasonings (Italian Seasoning, Dried Thyme, Ground Coriander, Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes): A carefully chosen blend of herbs and spices is key to creating a complex, well-rounded, and deeply savory broth. Italian seasoning offers a traditional, herbaceous baseline, while dried thyme adds an inviting warmth and subtle woodsy note. Ground coriander, a often-overlooked spice in soups, brings a unique, subtle citrusy and earthy nuance that truly sets this Farro Soup apart. Always adjust the salt and pepper generously throughout the cooking process, tasting after the soup has simmered to fine-tune the flavors to your personal preference. A small pinch of red pepper flakes is entirely optional, but it introduces a wonderful, gentle warmth that can awaken the palate without overwhelming it.
• Pearled Farro: As emphasized, pearled farro is the specific variety chosen for this recipe. Its outer bran layer has been removed, which allows it to cook significantly faster and achieve the ideal chewy-tender texture that holds up beautifully in a soup without becoming overly mushy. It’s vital to rinse it thoroughly under cool water before adding it to the pot to remove any excess starch, preventing the soup from becoming overly cloudy or developing a gummy consistency.
• Vegetable Stock: This liquid gold forms the rich and flavorful broth, binding all the wonderful ingredients together into a cohesive and delicious meal. Opt for a high-quality vegetable stock to ensure the best possible depth of taste.
• Bay Leaves: These unassuming, aromatic leaves are simmered in the broth to impart a subtle, woody aroma and a layer of complex, savory flavor that deepens over time. It’s crucial to remember to remove them before serving, as they are not meant for consumption.
• Fresh Parsley: A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of vibrant green color and a fresh, herbaceous, almost peppery note that brightens the entire soup. For maximum flavor and aromatic impact, chop it just before you plan to add it.
• Parmesan Cheese (Optional): A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a salty, umami kick and a luxurious, creamy finish. While highly recommended for cheese lovers, the soup is equally delicious and satisfying without it, making it a perfect vegan option.

Crafting Your Delicious One-Pot Farro Soup: A Simple and Rewarding Guide

Making this hearty Farro Soup is a straightforward and incredibly enjoyable process that yields deeply satisfying results. Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to create a truly memorable and nourishing meal that will quickly become a household favorite:

1. Step 1: Meticulous Preparation of Farro and Vegetables. Begin your culinary journey by thoroughly rinsing your pearled farro under cool running water using a fine-mesh sieve until the water that drains away runs completely clear. This crucial step effectively removes any excess starch, which helps to keep your soup broth beautifully clear and vibrant, preventing it from becoming cloudy or gummy. After rinsing, gently shake off any excess water and set the farro aside in the strainer to dry slightly until you’re ready to incorporate it. Next, dedicate some time to preparing your vegetables with precision: very finely dice the yellow onion, cut the carrots and celery into uniform ½-inch pieces, carefully peel and cube the sweet potatoes into consistent ½-inch pieces, and meticulously quarter your white mushrooms (or, if they are larger, cut them into 6-8 pieces). Uniform cuts are paramount as they ensure that all vegetables cook evenly and reach tender perfection at the same time.
2. Step 2: Sautéing the Flavorful Foundation. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a sturdy Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over a medium-high heat setting. Once the oil is shimmering, add your prepared medley of diced onion, carrots, celery, sweet potato, and mushrooms to the pot. Now is the time to season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper (I typically recommend starting with approximately 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper, but always feel free to adjust this to your personal taste preference). Sauté the vegetables, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking, for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables have perceptibly softened and the onion begins to take on a beautiful, translucent golden color. This initial sautéing phase is absolutely crucial for developing deep, rich, and caramelized flavors that will infuse the entire soup.
3. Step 3: Infusing with Aromatic Spices and Farro. Reduce the heat slightly to a steady medium setting. Stir in the freshly minced garlic, the fragrant Italian seasoning, dried thyme, and the subtle, earthy ground coriander. If you appreciate a delightful touch of warmth and gentle heat, now is the perfect moment to add the optional 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Finally, add the meticulously rinsed pearled farro to the pot. Continue to sauté, stirring constantly, for just 1 minute more. This brief sauté allows the farro to toast ever so slightly, enhancing its nutty flavor, and gives the spices a chance to bloom, intensifying their complex aromas and tastes.
4. Step 4: Simmering to Wholesome Perfection. Carefully pour in the vegetable stock and then add the two dry bay leaves to the pot. Increase the heat back to high and bring the entire mixture to a vigorous rolling boil. Once it reaches a boil, immediately reduce the heat significantly to a gentle, consistent simmer. The soup should maintain a slight, steady bubble, rather than a rapid, tumultuous boil, to ensure that the farro cooks evenly and the vegetables become perfectly tender without disintegrating or becoming mushy. Simmer, uncovered, for approximately 35 minutes, or until the farro is thoroughly cooked through. The farro should possess a pleasant, al dente chewiness, but it should never have a hard or uncooked center. At this stage, the vegetables should also be exquisitely tender.
5. Step 5: The Final Touches and Serving. Once the farro and vegetables have reached their perfect state of doneness, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully locate and discard the two bay leaves, as their purpose in flavoring the broth is now complete. Stir in the vibrant, freshly chopped parsley, which will add a delightful burst of fresh color and a wonderfully herbaceous, bright note to the soup. Taste the soup thoughtfully and adjust the seasonings as needed – you might find it benefits from a little more salt, a dash more pepper, or even a pinch more herbs to perfectly suit your personal palate. Ladle the hearty and comforting Farro Soup into individual serving bowls and, if desired, finish each portion with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately alongside warm, crusty buttered bread for an utterly satisfying and truly delicious meal!

Farro Soup Recipe Card

By Chelsea Lords

This incredibly hearty and nutritious one-pot Farro Soup is generously packed with wholesome vegetables, a deeply rich and beautifully seasoned broth, and plenty of perfectly chewy farro. It’s utterly delicious, remarkably satisfying, and a truly healthy meal option! Finish your bowl with a vibrant sprinkle of fresh herbs and a grating of Parmesan cheese, and don’t forget to grab some crusty bread for delightful dunking!

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Fine-mesh sieve/strainer
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Ingredients

This recipe yields approximately 6 satisfying servings.

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1-1/2 cups finely diced yellow onion (approximately 2 medium onions)
• 1-1/2 cups chopped carrots (cut into uniform ½-inch pieces, about 3–4 medium carrots)
• 1 cup chopped celery (cut into uniform ½-inch pieces, about 3 stalks)
• 1-1/2 cups peeled and chopped sweet potatoes (cut into ½-inch cubes; about 2 small or 1 medium sweet potato)
• 1-1/2 cups whole white mushrooms (quartered, approximately 5-1/2 ounces)
• Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (equivalent to about 4 cloves of fresh garlic)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle touch of heat)
• 1 cup pearled farro (please refer to Note 1 in the Recipe Notes section for specific brand recommendations and important usage tips)
• 2 (32-ounce) containers vegetable stock (totaling 8 cups; Swanson brand is highly recommended for its quality)
• 2 dry bay leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley (coarsely chopped, reserved for a vibrant garnish)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, freshly grated for topping and added richness)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare Farro & Vegetables. Begin by thoroughly rinsing the pearled farro in a fine-mesh sieve under a stream of cool running water until the water runs completely clear. This crucial step removes any excess starch, ensuring your soup broth remains clear and vibrant. Shake off any excess water and allow the farro to sit in the strainer to dry slightly while you prepare the other ingredients. Next, meticulously prepare all your vegetables: finely dice the yellow onion, peel and cut the carrots into uniform ½-inch pieces, cut the celery into consistent ½-inch pieces, peel and cut the sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes, and quarter the white mushrooms (or cut larger ones into 6–8 pieces to ensure even cooking).
2. Step 2: Sauté the Vegetable Foundation. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the prepared diced onion, carrots, celery, sweet potato, and mushrooms to the pot. Season these vegetables generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (a good starting point is approximately 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper, but adjust according to your personal preference). Sauté, stirring frequently to encourage even cooking and prevent sticking, for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables have perceptibly softened and the onion begins to turn a light golden color. This step is vital for building deep, caramelized flavors.
3. Step 3: Infuse with Aromatics & Farro. Reduce the heat to a steady medium setting. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning blend, dried thyme, and ground coriander. If you desire a subtle touch of warmth and spice, now is the time to add the optional 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Finally, add the meticulously rinsed pearled farro to the pot. Continue to sauté for just 1 minute more, stirring constantly, which helps to lightly toast the farro and allows the aromatic spices to fully bloom and release their intoxicating fragrances.
4. Step 4: Gentle Simmering for Perfection. Carefully pour in the vegetable stock and add the two dry bay leaves to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the entire soup mixture to a rolling boil. Once it reaches a boil, immediately reduce the heat significantly to a gentle simmer. The soup should maintain a slight, consistent bubbling, rather than a vigorous, rapid boil. Simmer, uncovered, for approximately 35 minutes, or until the pearled farro is thoroughly cooked through. The farro should have a delightful, al dente chewiness (meaning it’s firm to the bite but not hard in the center). The vegetables should also be perfectly tender.
5. Step 5: Final Touches & Serving. Once the farro and vegetables are cooked to perfection, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully locate and discard the two bay leaves, as their flavoring purpose is complete. Stir in the vibrant, freshly chopped parsley, which adds a burst of fresh color and a wonderfully herbaceous, bright note that awakens the palate. Taste the soup thoughtfully and adjust the seasonings (salt, pepper, and any additional herbs) to your personal preference. Ladle the incredibly hearty and comforting Farro Soup into individual serving bowls and, if desired, finish each portion with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of richness. Serve immediately with warm, crusty buttered bread for delightful dunking and thoroughly enjoy your nourishing homemade meal!

Recipe Notes for Optimal Results

Note 1: Importance of Pearled Farro: As emphasized throughout this recipe, it is crucial to use pearled farro for the best results. Pearled farro has undergone a milling process that removes its outer bran layer, resulting in significantly faster cooking times and a more tender, less intensely chewy texture that is ideal for soups. In contrast, whole farro, which retains all of its fibrous bran, requires a much longer cooking duration and tends to absorb an excessive amount of liquid, which could lead to an overly thick soup and a tougher texture for the grain. For consistently high-quality pearled farro, I highly recommend exploring this trusted brand and this excellent brand.

Nutrition Information Note: Please be aware that the provided nutrition information is an estimated approximation and does not account for the optional addition of Parmesan cheese. When prepared without the cheese, this incredibly delicious and robust vegetarian recipe is also entirely vegan, making it a wonderful and inclusive option suitable for a wide spectrum of dietary preferences and needs.

Smart Storage Tips for Leftovers: Farro, due to its inherent nature as a grain, will continue to actively soak up any surrounding liquid even after the soup has completely cooled down. This means that if stored together, your leftover Farro Soup will naturally thicken considerably. To effectively store leftovers and maintain the optimal texture and consistency for future enjoyment, here’s an expert tip: use a slotted spoon to gently separate the cooked farro and vegetables from the rich broth. Store these two distinct components (the solids and the liquid) in separate, airtight containers in your refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious leftovers, simply recombine the farro-and-vegetable mixture with the broth and reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. This thoughtful method is key to preventing the farro from becoming overly soft or mushy, ensuring it retains its delightful chewiness, and allowing your broth to remain wonderfully flavorful and true to its original consistency.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 269 kcal

Carbohydrates: 42g

Protein: 6g

Fat: 10g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

Monounsaturated Fat: 7g

Sodium: 66mg

Potassium: 528mg

Fiber: 9g

Sugar: 6g

Vitamin A: 10623 IU

Vitamin C: 14mg

Calcium: 68mg

Iron: 2mg

The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as a general approximation. Individual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.