Rustic Farro Soup with Sausage

Memories of Italy enticed me into making this Rustic Farro Soup for dinner. Incredibly delicious and comforting, add this to your winter menu. I adore Farro Recipes and this soup is hearty and flavorful!

Why You Must Make

• The Italian sausage adds loads of flavor that infuses into the broth and farro.
• If you have never cooked with farro before, but you enjoy other grains like barley, this is a wonderful introduction to it.
• Homemade soup recipes are generally pretty easy and perfect for cold-weather meals.

I had my first taste of farro in Florence at Trattoria dei Quattro Leoni and was instantly a fan. As much as gorgeous dishes like this Strawberry Caprese Farro Salad tempt me, I wanted another bowl of this soup.

I had high expectations for this Tuscan farro soup. It smelled incredible as it simmered away in the kitchen.

Bill, my harshest critic, said he wasn’t thrilled with the taste, but I’m thinking it was a combination of the heat, the mushrooms and the “foreign” grain. I could imagine him thinking, “Have you heard of pasta??” I, on the other hand, loved this delectable concoction!

Reader Endorsement

I made a tasty Sausage Pasta Soup for my book club last month. A couple of friends asked for the recipe. One got back to me after she found this farro soup recipe while perusing the blog. From her email: THIS soup ROCKS. I feel that it’s conceptually so “in” and it is superb!!

Expert Tips

• This is a very versatile recipe. If you don’t like mushrooms, leave them out. Want to add some celery? Go right ahead.
• Many soups taste better if they are made a day ahead of time. Resting overnight in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld. It can be a magical transformation.
• If farro is hard to find, try barley or even rice instead.
• Alcohol, like salt, is a flavor enhancer. So don’t omit the red wine. The alcohol will evaporate as it simmers.
• Depending on how salty your chicken broth/stock is, you may not want to add any additional salt. Taste and decide for yourself. You can always add salt, but you can’t remove salt if you add too much.
• Crushed red pepper flakes are added for heat. If you’re worried about the soup being too spicy, start with a pinch or two, and add more if desired.

Just close your eyes and imagine yourself in Florence, dining at a trattoria, tucked away on a narrow, back street near the Arno. A piping hot bowl of this farro soup is in front of you with some crusty bread and a lovely Italian vino. I don’t think I’ll ever convert the hubby, but I bet you’ll love it!

Frequently Asked Questions

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• Italian Wedding Soup 
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• Plus, all my Best Soup Recipes

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The Recipe:

Rustic Farro Soup

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes

Yield 6 servings

Flavorful Rustic Farro Soup filled with vegetables, wine, sausage, and farro.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 4 links mild Italian sausage, sliced
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 14.5 can of diced tomatoes with juice
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• 6 ounces uncooked farro, rinsed and soaked for at least 3 hours
• Bag of baby spinach
• 1-1 1/2 teaspoons salt (depending on how salty your broth is---I didn't add any)
• 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper
• 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat oil, then add carrots, celery, onions, and garlic till onions become translucent.
2. Add sausage and brown. Add mushrooms and when cooked, add tomatoes, wine, broth, red pepper flakes, and farro.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until farro is tender, about an hour.
4. Add spinach, salt, and pepper and stir till spinach is wilted. Add thyme.
5. Serve with fresh Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Adapted from Whole Foods.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 512Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 2272mgCarbohydrates: 53gFiber: 14gSugar: 24gProtein: 21g

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