Soups

Bean and spelt soup

⏱ 250 min🍳 90 min👤 4 pp★★☆☆☆

When the cold begins to bite what can be nicer than enjoying a hot soup with traditional flavours, like this one with spelt and beans, a classic from Tuscany. It is genuinely a complete main course, made with only a few simple ingredients. You'll have to have a little patience if you want to use fresh vegetables, since both the spelt and the beans need some time to soak – alternatively you can use frozen vegetables! Add a few peeled tomatoes to the fried base of the soup, or maybe some diced pancetta to make it even more delicious. Serve hot, finishing it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprig of rosemary. Now, have a go at this delicious first course: just follow our step-by-step guide with the help of the detailed photos and making this dish will be a breeze!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 320 kcal / serving

Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
42g
Fat
12g
Fiber
8g

* approximate values per serving

Information
250 minutes Total time
90 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Soak the spelt and beans in cold water for 4 hours. Fry some chopped garlic, rosemary and sage in oil, and add the drained spelt and beans. Stir for a minute and cover with vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and continue cooking for about an hour and a half. Season with salt after cooking.

Tips
When you use beans you should take the following advice. If you buy fresh produce: choose those still in the pod, which should be firm, no stains, wrinkles or yellowing, and must be whole. For the purchase of frozen products: shake the container to check that the beans inside move freely and do not give the impression of being crowded together, which could suggest refreezing.
Trivia
Beans are healthy weapon against high cholesterol and triglycerides, play a part in purifying and detoxifying the body and, combined with cereals as in this recipe, make excellent and balanced dishes enabling you to reduce your meat consumption.

Step by step

Put the beans and spelt in water to soak
Put the beans and spelt in water to soak
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Spelt and Bean Soup with Seasonal Vegetables

A delicious variant of the classic spelt and bean soup includes the addition of seasonal vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and spinach. These ingredients not only enrich the dish with colors and flavors but also increase the nutritional content of the soup. The vegetables can be sautéed together with garlic, rosemary, and sage before adding the spelt and beans. This preparation is perfect for a nutritious and healthy lunch, ideal for cooler days. Additionally, using fresh vegetables allows for customizing the recipe based on seasonal availability, making each time the soup unique and special.

Minestra di Farro e Fagioli alla Molisana

The spelt and bean soup finds one of its most authentic expressions in the Molisana tradition. Here, the dish is often enriched with typical regional ingredients, such as black pepper and a touch of chili for a hint of liveliness. The preparation remains similar, with soaking the spelt and beans, but slow cooking and homemade vegetable broth are key elements to enhance the natural flavors. This variant not only brings the warmth of traditional cooking to the table but also tells the story of a territory rich in culinary culture, making each taste a dive into the traditions of Molise.

Light Spelt and Bean Soup without Oil

For those who desire a lighter version of the spelt and bean soup, it can be prepared without the addition of oil. By replacing the sauté with a simple stew of garlic and aromatic herbs in water, the calorie content is significantly reduced while still maintaining a rich and enveloping flavor. This variant is perfect for those on a low-calorie diet or for anyone who simply wants to enjoy a healthy and nutritious dish without sacrificing taste. Remember to choose homemade vegetable broth for greater freshness and flavor, and to add a pinch of salt only at the end of cooking to better control sodium intake.

Nutritional Benefits of Spelt and Bean Soup

The spelt and bean soup is a dish rich in nutritional benefits. Spelt, a whole grain, is an excellent source of fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron and magnesium. Beans, on the other hand, provide plant-based proteins, fiber, and antioxidants, making this soup a complete and balanced meal. On average, a serving of spelt and bean soup contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portions. Thanks to their nutritional contribution, these ingredients help maintain stable blood sugar levels and promote good digestion, making the soup not only tasty but also healthy.

Can Spelt and Bean Soup be Frozen?

Freezing spelt and bean soup is possible and can be a great solution for preserving excess portions. It is advisable to cool the soup completely before transferring it to airtight containers suitable for freezing. This way, the quality and flavor of the dish are preserved. When you want to consume it, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator for a few hours or use the microwave. Once thawed, reheat it slowly on the stove, adding a bit of vegetable broth if necessary to achieve the desired consistency. Remember that it is best to consume the frozen soup within 2-3 months to ensure the best flavor and quality.