Hearty Farro and Borlotti Bean Soup
Category: Soups and Stews
Serves: 4
This delicious and nutritious farro and borlotti bean soup is the perfect meal for a cozy dinner. With a balance of hearty vegetables and tender beans, it’s an ideal choice for a wholesome, comforting dish. The dish combines the rich texture of farro with the earthy flavor of borlotti beans, creating a soup that is both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Borlotti beans | 200g |
| Farro (spelt) | 250g |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Carrot | 1 medium |
| Celery stalks | 1 |
| Red onion | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 5 tablespoons |
| Sage | To taste |
| Water | 1 liter |
| Fine salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 kcal |
| Protein | ~15g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45g |
| Fat | ~9g |
| Fiber | ~8g |
| Sodium | ~600mg |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by cleaning and chopping the vegetables. Peel the carrot and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the celery stalks and red onion, and mince the garlic cloves. -
Cook the Vegetables and Beans:
Heat a large pressure cooker and add the chopped carrot, celery, onion, and garlic. Sautรฉ the vegetables in a bit of olive oil until they begin to soften and release their aroma. Add 1 liter of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, close the pressure cooker and reduce the heat to low. Set the pressure cooker to cook for 30 minutes from the moment it begins to whistle. -
Check the Beans:
After the cooking time has passed, carefully open the pressure cooker, making sure the pressure has been released. Check the doneness of the borlotti beansโthey should be soft and tender. Remove about one-third of the cooked beans and set them aside in a separate bowl. -
Cook the Farro:
Add the farro to the pot with the remaining beans and vegetables. Stir everything together and let it cook in the broth for about 15-20 minutes, until the farro is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the soup. -
Prepare the Bean Puree:
While the farro is cooking, take the portion of beans you set aside earlier and mash them with a fork or blend them with a hand blender until you achieve a smooth puree. -
Combine and Serve:
Once the farro is fully cooked, stir in the bean and vegetable puree. Allow the soup to cook for another few minutes, letting the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with fine salt as needed. -
Finish with Olive Oil:
For a finishing touch, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the soup just before serving. This adds a silky richness and enhances the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this soup warm with a slice of rustic bread, perfect for dipping. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some fresh sage leaves on top or garnish with a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.
This hearty farro and borlotti bean soup is packed with fiber and protein, making it an excellent meal choice for a healthy lunch or dinner. The combination of savory vegetables, creamy beans, and tender farro creates a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re looking for a fulfilling meal to feed the family or a light yet flavorful dish for a cozy evening, this soup is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy the warmth and richness of this Italian-inspired classic!
