Lemony Chicken Soup with Farro, White Beans, and Kale
A hearty and nourishing soup featuring tender chicken, nutty farro, creamy white beans, and fresh kale in a lemony broth. This Mediterranean-inspired soup combines wholesome ingredients for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- •3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- •2 large carrots
- •2 whole onions
- •12 cloves garlic
- •1 whole chicken carcass
- •10 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- •1½ cups whole farro
- •2½ teaspoons kosher salt
- •1 can cannellini beans
- •1 cup Tuscan kale
- •2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- •⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- •4 tablespoons radish-top salsa verde
- •¼ cup dill
- •1 whole baguette
- •1 whole lemon
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large pot over medium-high. Cook carrots, half of the onion, and 3 sliced garlic cloves, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add chicken carcass, if using, and broth; cover and simmer 30 minutes. (If you're not using carcass, simmer 15 minutes.)
30 min
- 2.
Meanwhile, toast farro in another large pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown and smells nutty, about 3 minutes. Stir in 1 tsp. salt and 3 cups water. Cover and simmer until farro is tender and liquid evaporates, about 30 minutes; strain any remaining liquid, if necessary. Set aside 2 cups farro for Dill-Crusted Pork Tenderloin or reserve for another use.
33 min
- 3.
Strain chicken broth mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl; discard carcass and vegetables. Set aside 2 cups broth for Potato, Leek, and Pea Pot Pie or reserve for another use.
5 min
- 4.
Wipe out pot, then heat remaining 1 Tbsp. oil over low. Cook remaining onion and 9 sliced garlic cloves, stirring occasionally, until tender and light golden, 8-10 minutes. Add remaining broth left in bowl, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a simmer. Add reserved chicken meat, beans, kale, lemon juice, pepper, and remaining 1 1/2 tsp. salt and farro left in pot; cook until vegetables are cooked through, 3-5 minutes.
15 min
- 5.
Divide soup among bowls. Stir 1 Tbsp. salsa verde into each bowl, if using, and sprinkle with dill. Serve with baguette slices and lemon wedges alongside.
5 min
- 6.
Soup can be made 2 days ahead. Chill in a resealable container.