Freekin’ Good Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup cracked freekeh (farik)

• 1 large onion, small dice

• 1 stalk celery, medium dice

• 2 medium carrots, medium dice

• 3 garlic cloves, pressed or minced

• 2 medium zucchinis, medium dice

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

• 8 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano

• cayenne pepper, to taste

• kosher salt, to taste

• freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Place the freekeh in a medium bowl, cover with cold water, and set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Add the onion and sprinkle with salt. Allow the onions to sweat until they are translucent and you see the moisture released. Add the celery and carrots and cook, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Season with black pepper. Add the garlic and cook 1 more minute.

Drain the freekeh and rinse it with cold water. Add the freekeh, broth, zucchini, nutritional yeast, oregano and the cayenne to the pot.

Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered until the soup is thickened about 25 to 30 minutes.

Season with salt and black pepper, to taste,

To serve, sprinkle with chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 - 6 bowls