Slow Cooker Farro Soup Food

SPRING VEGETABLE-FARRO SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until browned and crisp, 7 to 8 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the drippings in the pot. Add the spring onions (white and pale green parts) and carrots and cook, stirring, until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the farro and cook, stirring to combine, about 1 minute.
• Add the chicken broth, 4 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, a few grinds of pepper and the Parmesan rind; cover and bring to a simmer. Cook, partially covered and adjusting the heat if necessary, until the farro and vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in the zucchini and snap peas and cook until tender, 3 to 4 more minutes. Stir in the basil and lemon zest; season with salt and pepper.
• Divide the soup among bowls. Top with the reserved spring onion greens, the grated parmesan, pancetta and a drizzle of olive oil; sprinkle with pepper.

SLOW-COOKED PEPPER STEAK

Steps:

• Cut beef into 3x1-in. strips. In a large skillet, brown beef in oil. Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker. Combine the onion, soy sauce, garlic, sugar, salt, ginger and pepper; pour over beef. Cover and cook on low until meat is tender, for 5-6 hours. Add tomatoes and green pepper; cook on low until vegetables are tender, about 1 hour longer., Combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth; gradually stir into slow cooker. Cover and cook on high until thickened, 20-30 minutes. Serve with noodles or rice. Freeze option: Freeze cooled beef mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a covered saucepan, stirring gently. Add a little broth or water if necessary.

TUSCAN FARRO SOUP

Steps:

• Put oil in a large, deep saucepan over medium heat; a minute later add onion, celery, carrots, a large pinch of salt and some pepper. Cook until vegetables are glossy and onion is softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Add garlic, and stir; add farro, beans, tomatoes and stock, and stir.
• Bring to a boil, then adjust heat so mixture simmers steadily. Cook until farro and beans are tender, at least an hour, adding stock or water as necessary if mixture becomes too thick. Stir in parsley and basil (if using), then cook another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve with lots of Parmesan.

SLOW-COOKER LEMONY LENTIL AND FARRO SOUP

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients except spinach, cheese and lemon juice in slow cooker sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with lid.
• Cook on LOW 6 to 8 hours (or on HIGH 3 to 3-1/2 hours).
• Stir in remaining ingredients just before serving.