Three Onion Farro Soup Recipes

ONION SOUP-STYLE FARRO

Steps:

• Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Melt the butter in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the brandy and cook until evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add the farro, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper; cook, stirring, until the farro is coated, 2 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, 1 1/2 cups water, the bay leaf and the parmesan rind. Bring to a boil, then stir in the grated parmesan.
• Transfer the mixture to a 1 1/2-quart flameproof baking dish, cover with foil and bake until most of the liquid is absorbed and the farro is tender, about 40 minutes. Remove from the oven; discard the bay leaf and parmesan rind. Continue baking, uncovered, until all of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 more minutes. Sprinkle with the grated gruyere; turn on the broiler and broil until melted and golden brown in spots, about 1 minute. Top with the parsley.

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.

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.