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Farro Soup with Celery and Parmesan

Farro Soup with Celery and Parmesan

By Courtney HillNovember 9, 2022

  • Makes
    4 servings
  • Cook Time
    1 hour
  • Active time plus cooling
    25 minutes active

This soup is remarkably flavorful, though it’s made with just a handful of basic ingredients. It features farro, an ancient wheat grain that boasts a pleasantly chewy texture and nutty taste. Be sure to use pearled farro; the grains have had the bran removed, which speeds up the cooking. Quick-cooking barley is a great alternative to farro. To boost the umami, we first brown tomato paste, then finish the soup with a shower of grated Parmesan. If you have a Parmesan rind on hand, add it to the simmering soup to deepen the flavor.

Ingredients
  • 3

    tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1

    medium yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced

  • 4

    medium celery stalks, thinly sliced

  • 1

    teaspoon dried rosemary OR dried thyme

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 2

    tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1

    cup pearled farro OR quick-cooking barley

  • 1-inch piece Parmesan rind (optional), plus 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, finely grated (1 cup)

  • 2

    quarts low-sodium chicken broth OR vegetable broth

  • Optional garnish: Basil pesto

Step 1

In a large saucepan over medium-high, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the onion, celery, rosemary, ¼ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Reduce to medium and cook, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to release their moisture, about 2 minutes. Reduce to medium-low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but not browned, 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 2

Add the tomato paste and cook over medium-high, stirring, until the paste browns and slightly sticks to the pan, about 2 minutes. Add the farro and stir until the grains are well combined with the paste. Add the Parmesan rind (if using) and the broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce to medium and simmer, uncovered, stirring once or twice, until the farro is tender with a little chew, 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 3

Off heat, remove and discard the Parmesan rind (if used). Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with the Parmesan and a generous grind of pepper.