Step 1

PREP: Thoroughly rinse farro in a sieve or strainer under cool water. Shake off excess water and let stand in the strainer to dry until ready to use. Prep veggies: very finely dice onion, peel and cut carrots to 1/2-inch pieces, cut celery to 1/2-inch pieces, slice mushrooms 1/4-inch thick. Mince garlic.

Step 2

VEGGIES: Add 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter to a large pot over medium-high heat. Once butter is melted, add onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms and garlic. Season to personal taste preference (I add 1-3/4 tsp fine sea salt & 1 tsp pepper). Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened and onion is beginning to turn golden, 6-8 minutes.

Step 3

SEASONINGS: Add seasonings (1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, thyme, and sage), plus rinsed farro. Sauté, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.

Step 4

SIMMER: Add in bay leaf and all the broth or stock. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. (The soup should be slightly bubbling, but not rapidly boiling/bubbling.) Simmer, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes or until farro is cooked through and veggies are tender. (Farro has a lovely chewiness, but shouldn't have a hard center.)

Step 5

CREAM BASE: Meanwhile, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook, whisking constantly for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk while whisk vigorously until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly until mixture thickens then remove from heat.

Step 6

FINISH: Once farro is tender, pour the creamy milk mixture into the soup and stir. Taste, adjusting seasonings to personal preference. (We love this soup super thick and creamy, but add a splash more milk to thin it to desired consistency.) Stir in red wine vinegar if using. Serve in bowls topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy with crusty buttered bread!

Step 7

STORING: Farro will continue to soak up surrounding liquid as it's stored. We recommend reheating this soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. (Boiling may cause ingredients to separate.) Add a splash more milk or broth as needed to thin. This soup is best enjoyed within 3 days.