Hearty Farro and Leek Soup: A Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

When the air gets cooler and the days get shorter, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of rustic soup. And if you’re looking for a dish that’s both nourishing and full of flavor, the combination of farro with the sweet aroma of leeks is just the ticket.

I still remember when my grandmother used to make this soup; the intoxicating aroma that filled the kitchen enveloped me like a warm hug. Today, I’ll guide you to recreate that same magic. Picture whole grains of farro dancing in a fragrant broth alongside soft and golden leeks, all topped off with a generous sprinkling of melted grated cheese.

Additionally, I’ll let you in on a little secret: adding a handful of toasted mixed seeds can elevate this classic comfort food to something with an amazing crunchy contrast. Follow the simple yet precise steps to bring this dish, with its ancient yet surprisingly current heart, to your table. Get ready to pamper yourself with this autumnal or wintery delight!

Recipe Highlights

• EASE: A quick and easy recipe to whip up in no time.
• RUSTIC FLAVORS: The spelt and leeks give it a rustic and comforting flavor.
• NUTRITIOUS: Packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
• PREPARATION: Simple and accessible to everyone, with clear cooking times.
• NUTRITIONAL INFO: Approximately 350 calories per serving, rich in fiber and essential nutrients.
• ORIGINAL TWIST: Add some toasted mixed seeds for a crunchy contrast.

Ingredients Notes for the Recipe

• Spelt: rich in fiber and minerals, it gives a rustic flavor to the soup
• Leeks: with their delicate taste, they enrich the soup with aromatic notes
• Vegetable or meat broth: adds flavor and substance to the preparation
• Extra virgin olive oil: adds depth and character to the dish
• Grated cheese: completes the soup with creaminess and intense flavor
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: adjust the taste and enhance the flavor of the soup

Nutritional Aspects

Let’s discover the benefits of this hearty and flavorful rustic soup:

• Spelt is a whole grain cereal, a great source of fiber and plant-based proteins.
• Leeks, with their delicate flavor, are rich in vitamins A and K.
• Extra virgin olive oil provides beneficial monounsaturated fats for the heart.
• A well-balanced dish: complex carbohydrates, proteins, and a touch of good fats.
• A low glycemic index dish, perfect for sustained energy.
• With approximately 350 calories per serving, it’s a substantial yet balanced meal.
• Grated cheese adds calcium and enriches the nutritional profile.

Recipe for Spelt and Leek Soup

Farro and leek soup is a rustic and nourishing dish, perfect for autumn evenings. With an original twist of roasted mixed seeds, this traditional recipe will surprise you with its simplicity and richness of genuine flavors.

Servings 4

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 300 g Farro
• 2 Leek
• 150 cl Broth vegetable or meat
• to taste Cheese grated
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil extra virgin
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black pepper freshly ground

Instructions

• Start by heating two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot.
• Slice the white part of the leeks into thin rounds and let them wilt in the hot oil until they become lightly golden.
• Add the spelt to the pot with the leeks and stir for a few minutes to let the grains flavor.
• Pour the broth into the pot, season with salt according to your taste, and let it cook over low heat for about an hour and a half, stirring occasionally.
• Check the spelt's doneness by tasting it; it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it.
• Once the spelt is well cooked, transfer the soup to a warm tureen.
• Dust with plenty of grated cheese and add a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

Notes

For an original twist, add a handful of toasted mixed seeds (such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds) to the soup for a pleasant crunchy contrast that will enhance the dish's texture.

Author: Tips4Food

Calories: 350kcal

Course: Soups and Stews

Keyword: Black Pepper, Calories, comforting dish, Cooking time, Extra-virgin Olive Oil, Grated Cheese, Leek, Nutrient-rich, Preparation time, Rustic flavor, Spelt, Spelt and leek soup, Toasted mixed seeds, traditional recipe, Vegetable broth

Variations of the Leek and Spelt Soup Recipe

Sprinkle some crispy bacon for a tastier twist.

• Use fish broth instead of vegetable broth for a hint of the sea.
• Swap the spelt for pearl barley for a more delicate variation.
• Add some fresh chili for a spicy and flavorful version.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

If you have any doubts or curiosities, you’ll find the answers to the most common questions about the barley and leek soup here.

How can I make the soup more crispy?

For an extra crunch, you can add toasted mixed seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.

How long does it take to cook the barley?

Barley requires about 90 minutes of cooking over low heat in the broth.

How can I adjust the consistency of the soup?

You can adjust the consistency by adding more broth if you prefer a thinner soup or letting it cook longer to make it thicker.