Warm up your kitchen and tantalize your taste buds with a hearty bowl of Chicken Lentil Farro Soup! This soul-soothing recipe combines tender shredded chicken, nutritious lentils, and chewy farro, all simmered in a savory broth that will make you feel right at home. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a comforting meal, this soup is not just delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Ready to discover how to create this culinary delight? Dive into our easy-to-follow recipe and transform your dinner into a nourishing experience!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 cup farro
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Trim chicken breast and have all measured ingredients ready.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cumin to the onions, stirring quickly to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
- Place chicken breast into the pot and pour chicken broth over it. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and easily shredded.
- Remove chicken from broth, shred using two forks, and set aside. Keep broth simmering in the pot.
- Add lentils and farro to the simmering broth. Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until grains are tender but not mushy.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In the final 2-3 minutes of cooking, stir in fresh spinach and allow it to wilt into the soup.
- Remove from heat and let soup rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your onions and garlic, and measure out your lentils and farro in advance. This will make the cooking process smoother and quicker.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving.
- Texture Matters: Keep an eye on the cooking time for the lentils and farro to ensure they are tender but not overcooked. You want them to maintain a slight bite for the best texture.
- Customize Your Greens: While spinach is a great choice, feel free to swap it out for kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor and texture.
- Make It Your Own: Don't hesitate to experiment with spices! A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can add a delightful kick to your soup.
- Storage Tips: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can also be frozen for later enjoyment. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg