Monday, January 12, 2015

Wild Mushroom Veggie and Farro Soup


My beloved mom is very sick. She is my rock and my world. My posts will probably be erratic for awhile, but the ones that I do make will be for me very therapeutic. I appreciate all the great people that I have met on-line and your wonderful support. Thank you for listening.

In a soup, mushroom and barley are a great combination, one that works very well together. Today’s soup is a hearty one, one with many layers of flavor. Basically you have fresh and dried mushrooms, pancetta and loads of veggies. Marsala wine is used to deglaze the pot and then added again at the end. Fresh thyme and parsley bring a wonderful freshness. This is a great soup to ring in the new year. Hope my mom likes it.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 ounces dried wild mushrooms ( I bought mine at Trader Joe's)
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 ounces pancetta (Trader Joe's, already diced)
2 small onions chopped (3 cups)
4 carrots cut into 1/4 inch pieces (2 cups)
4 stalks celery cut into 1/4 inch pieces (2 cups)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
3/4 cup pearled farro
12 ounces cremini mushrooms (cut into 1/4 inch slices)
1/2 cup Marsala wine, plus 2 tablespoons, divided
6 cups chicken broth
6 springs thyme (tied together)
1 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (room temperature)
1/4 cup minced parsley

To prepare:

Begin by placing the dried mushrooms in 4 cups of boiling water, remove from heat cover with lid. Meanwhile, heat olive oil, add pancetta, onions, carrots and celery and saute over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies are tender. Add garlic and farro and cook for a few  more minutes.



Add cremini mushrooms and the 1/2 cup Marsala wine, cook for another 5 to 7  minutes, until mushrooms have released some of there moisture.

In the meantime, drain the dried mushrooms through a cheesecloth, reserve the liquid. Coarsely chop the mushrooms and add them to the pot along with the strained mushroom soaking liquid.



Add chicken broth, bundle of thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, lower heat and then simmer for 45 minutes, until farro is tender. Remove thyme bundle.

Mash flour and butter together and stir into soup pot. Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons Marsala wine. Sprinkle with parsley. Taste for seasoning.



Recipe is from Ina Garten, "Make it Ahead, cookbook. 
Cheri Savory Spoon
Cheri Savory Spoon

Mysavoryspoon was first started in 2010 as a way to journal recipes that I had collected from cookbooks, magazines, family and friends. Most everything was savory, using legumes and whole grains. Along the way I discovered a love for baking. Now a couple times a month you might see some type of sweet pie or treat.

77 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry to hear that your mom isn't well. Best wishes to both of you. I'm sure she will really appreciate you making her this soup.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm so so so sorry to hear about your mom. Thinking about you during this tough time!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am so sorry to hear your mom is sick, Cheri. I'm sending good vibes and best wishes your way.

    ReplyDelete
  4. i'm so sorry, cheri. bless her and bless you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm so sorry to hear your mother is sick and hope she has a quick recovery. This delicious soup looks like it could make anyone feel a bit better on a cold winter's day.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Damn delicious fancy wild mushrooms soup!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Best wishes to your Mum for a quick recovery. I hope she is healed very soon. This soup looks like the perfect comfort food and I just know it will be a welcome dinner one of this cold rainy summer nights. All the best xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. I too am very sorry that your mom is very sick,and I hope she gets better soon.
    Thinking of you.
    Your soup looks so comforting.
    Thanks for thinking to share at this time..

    ReplyDelete
  9. PS..I forgot to say how darn cute your bowl is.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My daughter bought it for me, it's my favorite dish!

      Delete
  10. That bowl is fun. So hoping your Mother liked this soup. Sounds delicious. Not only comforting but a solid booster as well.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Cheri I am sorry to hear that your Mom is sick, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your Mom and wishes for a speedy recovery. Stay strong! The soup is wonderful, love the layers of flavor and the Marsala. Great touch with the mushrooms.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Cheri, So sorry to hear your mom is not well. I feel certain she will love such a flavorful and nourishing dish, but most of all the love that you put into it. Take care and wishing you the very best!

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is an awesome dish and I can't wait to try it. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom.Take the time you need. We aren't going anywhere. I know this would certainly nourish anyone with love.

    ReplyDelete
  14. this sounds wonderful and when winter comes i will have to make it:) hope your mum is ok. cheers sherry

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sorry to hear about you Mom, Cheri. Hope this warmed both of you up.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'm so so so sorry to hear about your mom! Sending positive thoughts your way <3

    ReplyDelete
  17. This soup sounds perfect for cold winter dinner! and I'm so digging for those wild mushrooms! Good one, Cheri!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Cheri:

    I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Please feel my support in anything you are going through.

    The soup looks delicious, and healing. Thank you so much.

    Dena@ Gathering Flavors

    ReplyDelete
  19. Cheri, I'm so sorry that you're having to go through this difficult time - really feel for you.
    The soup looks amazing - the idea of deglazing the pan with marsala is incredible!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh Cheri, I am so sorry to hear that your Mom is not feeling well. This soup is so nourishing, it would be wonderful for both of you if she likes it.

    Marion and I will keep you and your family in our prayers, Cheri...

    Thank you so much for taking the time to share this delicious and nourishing sounding recipe. A hearty soup is always a good thing. We'll be here for when you get a chance to visit. God Bless, Cheri...

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Cheri , So sorry to hear your mother is ill , I know she will enjoy this delicious soup . My prayers to her for a speedy recovery .
    Thanks for stopping by my blog today and thanks for sharing this delicious soup . Your family is in my prayers . ~Nee~ :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Cheri I hope your mum feels well soon - this soup should definitely help her get better!
    Thinking of your family my friend x

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

    ReplyDelete
  23. Cheri, I am really sorry to hear that your mom has not been feeling well. I hope she gets well soon.
    The farro soup looks really warming and comforting.

    ReplyDelete
  24. My best wishes for your mother's speedy recover, Cheri! I'm sure this delicious soup will soothe and comfort her.

    ReplyDelete
  25. What a great, hearty soup! Farro and mushrooms are so great together. Your mother must have loved it, and I hope she's feeling better soon.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Im so sorry about your mom dear.I hope she feel better soon!
    This soup look hearty and delicious!
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Cheri,
    This soup is indeed nourishing. Your mom likes the soup?
    Hope she is getting better each day.
    And you take care of yourself too. God Bless !

    ReplyDelete
  28. Cheri, I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. I hope there is improvement soon!
    Your soup is lovely, comforting and healthy. I do hope your mom liked it!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom and I hope she is well soon.
    The soup looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I wish the best for your mother. I hope she gets well soon.
    As for this soup, I would love to dive head first into it! It looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  31. We wish the best for you and your mom.Just keep the faith and feed her with the warmth of your great recipes!

    Julie & Alesah
    Gourmet Getaways xx

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thinking of you Cheri. My prayers and best wishes go to you and your dear Mother. Hope all will be well.

    ReplyDelete
  33. My dear Cheri, my thoughts are with you and your mother - I honestly hope that all will be well and better soon and that you have tons of strength and support and love from family and friends during this difficult time!
    Your lovely soup does looks like soul food, like comfort food that will sustain you and keep up your energy.
    Let me know if you need anything - I know I am far away but we never know, don´t we...
    All the very best dear friend,
    Andrea

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kind words Andrea, really appreciate your thoughtfulness.

      Delete
  34. I'm so sorry to hear about your mother and I do hope she's able to make a recovery. My mother isn't too well either and yet she's not that old. She's grown old ahead of her time through the ravages of Parkinson's Disease. It's very sad to see. I do love the look of your soup and I agree, barley and mushrooms are wonderful together. Best wishes to you at this time xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Charlie, so sorry to hear about your mom, my thoughts are with you and your family.

      Delete
  35. Cheri - I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I hope she is close by. I a, also sure that you are a great comfort to her - your love and care will mean so much.

    Your soup looks delicious and hearty - and healthy, even! I absolutely love your bowls!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi David, yes we live close, about 10 minutes away and I see her almost everyday. Thank you for your kind words..........

      Delete
  36. Oh Cheri, I'm so sorry to hear of your mom's illness. Your soup looks so restorative, and I hope you both got some measure of comfort from it. I don't know if she's close by, but I hope so. My mom was in Tucson and I was here in SF with a very full-time job when she was ill. It was such a difficult time, and my thoughts are with you both.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Susan, we live very close to each other, so we see each other most everyday. Appreciate your warm comments!

      Delete
  37. I'm so very sorry to hear about your mom Cheri, best wishes to her.

    ReplyDelete
  38. So sorry that your mom is not well- I am sending prayers and healing thoughts. I hope she was able to enjoy some of your lovely soup! :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. I'm so sorry that your mum is unwell...I hope things will turn for the better for you and her. On a seperate note, I love farro, have a whole batch in my pantry and this soup is a great meal for the cold winter we are facing. ciao! Devaki@ weavethousandflavors

    ReplyDelete