Soup need not be relegated to the colder months. This satisfying plant-based Italian-inspired minestrone is packed with colourful summer-fresh veggies to give your skin a helping hand. If farro is unavailable, the soup can be made with other whole grains, including wheat berries, spelt, or even oat groats.
Skin deep
Adding Mediterranean-influenced dishes, like minestrone, to your menu can be good news for your skin. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adherence to a Mediterranean style of eating could lower the risk for skin cancer. The Med diet is rich in foods like vegetables, legumes, and whole grains that pack in the nutrients and antioxidants that are needed to help fend off various skin maladies, including cancer.
Ready, set, go
Whenever you’re preparing a dish, such as this soup, that requires a fair amount of ingredient chopping, it’s best to have everything prepared before you start cooking. Collecting and preparing your ingredients as you cook can lead to a stressful process, which may include leaving out key items as you rush to get things into the pot.
This recipe was originally published in the August 2025 issue of alive magazine.
