Zuppa di Farro: A Heartwarming Italian Recipe
Zuppa di farro
Equipment
- Equipment Needed: Large pot, cutting board, knife, ladle, measuring cups, and spoons.
- Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro pearled or semi-pearled
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
- Variations:
- Add Greens: Include kale spinach, or Swiss chard for added nutrition.
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked beans like cannellini or chickpeas or diced chicken for a heartier meal.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Farro
- Rinse the Farro: Place the farro in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any dust or debris.
- Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the Onion and Garlic: Sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
- Incorporate the Carrots and Celery: Add the diced carrots and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Stir in the Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, then stir in the rinsed farro.
- Pour in the Broth: Add the broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Simmer the Soup
- Reduce Heat: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the farro is tender.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
- Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the Bay Leaf: Discard the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
When you think of comfort food, Zuppa di Farro (Farro Soup) is sure to come to mind. This traditional Italian dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition and versatility. From my own personal experience, it’s a fantastic way to warm up on a chilly day or serve as a wholesome meal any time of year. Let me show you how I make this delightful dish.
What to Expect
Zuppa di Farro is a delicious, hearty soup that embodies the rustic charm of Italian cooking. The farro provides a lovely chewiness, while the vegetables add a burst of freshness. This dish is not only filling but also versatile enough to adapt to what’s in the pantry. It’s perfect for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day.
Give this recipe a try, and from my own personal experience, you might just find it becoming a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy your cooking journey.
Meal Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Time to Stand: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4-6
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 300
- Cost of Ingredients: $10-$15 (depending on local prices)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Dish or Soup
- Equipment Needed: Large pot, cutting board, knife, ladle, measuring cups, and spoons.
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making Zuppa di Farro here
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup farro (pearled or semi-pearled)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making Zuppa di Farro here
Variations:
- Add Greens: Include kale, spinach, or Swiss chard for added nutrition.
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked beans (like cannellini or chickpeas) or diced chicken for a heartier meal.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Farro
- Rinse the Farro: Place the farro in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any dust or debris.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the Onion and Garlic: Sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
- Incorporate the Carrots and Celery: Add the diced carrots and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Stir in the Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, then stir in the rinsed farro.
- Pour in the Broth: Add the broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
- Reduce Heat: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the farro is tender.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the Bay Leaf: Discard the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Tips and Substitutions
- For Gluten-Free Options: Substitute farro with quinoa or brown rice.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Use vegetable broth and skip any animal proteins.
- Quick Version: For a quicker meal, you can use pre-cooked farro, reducing the cooking time significantly.
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making Zuppa di Farro here
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 12g
- Fat: 7g
Troubleshooting Tips
- Too Thick: If the soup becomes too thick, simply add more broth or water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Too Watery: If it’s too watery, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to let some liquid evaporate.
- Flavorless: Enhance the flavor by adding more herbs or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Hi!
I’m Mike, the creator of Forum Foodies. In my own personal experience, understanding ingredients is key to great cooking.
Forum Foodies offers guides on various ingredients, from staples to exotic finds. Join our community, share your experiences, and learn from fellow food lovers.
Have questions or suggestions? Email me at info@forumfoodies.com. Let’s embark on this delicious adventure together.
Happy cooking.
Mike/