Lemony Chicken Soup with Farro, White Beans, and Kale

Ingredients for Lemony Chicken Soup with Farro, White Beans, and Kale

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 2 large carrots (about 275g ), coarsely chopped

• 2 onions, coarsely chopped, divided

• 12 garlic cloves, thinly sliced, divided

• 1 leftover roasted chicken carcass, meat picked off in large pieces and reserved, or 350ml shredded cooked chicken

• 2400ml low-sodium chicken broth

• 350ml whole farro

• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

• 1 (425g) can cannellini (white kidney) beans, drained, rinsed

• 1 cup thinly sliced Tuscan kale

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1/8 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

• 60ml radish-top salsa verde (optional)

• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped dill

• 1 baguette, sliced, toasted

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

How to make Lemony Chicken Soup with Farro, White Beans, and Kale

Heat 2 tablespoons 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.)

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 teaspoon salt and 725ml 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.

Strain chicken broth mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl; discard carcass and vegetables. Set aside 475ml broth for Potato, Leek, and Pea Pot Pie or reserve for another use.

Wipe out pot, then heat remaining 1 tablespoon 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 teaspoons salt and farro left in pot; cook until vegetables are cooked through, 3–5 minutes.

Divide soup among bowls. Stir 1 tablespoon salsa verde into each bowl, if using, and sprinkle with dill. Serve with baguette slices and lemon wedges alongside.

Soup can be made 2 days ahead. Chill in a resealable container.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.