According to Rachel, chicken sausage and farro soup warms both your body and soul on a chilly evening.
The robust flavors of sausage and hearty farro come together in a way that satisfies with just a few spoonfuls. You’ll understand why I return to this soup time and time again.
Although simple to make, its mix of protein, whole grains and vegetables make it a nourishing choice.
The reality is that enjoying simple pleasures is truly enjoyable.
Key Takeaways
- It’s a hearty, filling soup that uses protein-rich chicken sausage and nutrient-dense whole grain farro. This makes it a well-balanced one-pot meal ideal for fall/winter.
- The combination of flavors from the chicken sausage, vegetables, herbs and farro create a rich and savory soup. Browning the sausage first allows it to render its fat and enhance the flavor throughout the broth.
- Using a mix of carrots, onions, tomatoes and sometimes other veggies adds nutrients, texture and depth of flavor to the soup. The farro absorbs the flavors and adds a nice toothsome texture once softened during the long, slow simmer.
How to Make Chicken Sausage and Farro Soup
After years of enjoying hearty soups during the winter months, I’ve discovered that Chicken Sausage and Farro Soup is one of the most comforting and nourishing options. The tastes and textures work so well together in this tasty one-pot meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Italian chicken sausage | 1/2 pound |
| Carrots | 2 medium, diced |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium, diced |
| Roma tomato | 1 medium, diced |
| Farro | 1/2 cup |
| Chicken stock concentrate | 1 teaspoon |
| Italian seasoning | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Tomato paste | 1 tablespoon |
The ingredients Chicken sausage, farro, vegetables and seasonings combine to create a flavorful soup that satisfies both body and soul.
Cooking Method
- Cook the sausage in a pot over medium heat until no longer pink. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the carrots and onions until softened.
- Add Italian seasoning and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Return sausage to pot. Add farro, stock concentrate, and enough water to cover ingredients by 1 inch.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until farro is tender.
By following these simple steps, you’ll soon enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that even the whole family will love.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YijarEBvgz0
Credit : The Wildcraft Cottage
Popular Variations
After experimenting with different flavor profiles in my chicken sausage and farro soup over the years, I’ve discovered two favorite variations:
| Variation | Additional Ingredients | Cooking Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy Italian Version | – Spicy Italian chicken sausage – Harissa or red pepper flakes – Broccolini or bell peppers | For a little extra kick, I like to add spicy sausage and harissa. The broccolini adds color and texture. |
| Rustic Tomato Soup Variation | – Mushrooms – Celery – Garlic – Diced tomatoes instead of paste – White wine – Chicken broth | Sautéing the mushrooms, celery and garlic first adds deep flavor. Using diced tomatoes gives it a rustic, hearty taste, and white wine enhances the flavors. |
By making small adjustments like these, you can customize the soup to your personal taste or mood. It’s fun to experiment!
The Spicy Italian Version comes together quickly for those nights I want robust flavor without much fuss (1).
And there’s something so cozy about the Rustic Tomato Soup Variation on chilly weekends.
Whether you choose one of these variations or stick to the classic, chicken sausage and farro soup is sure to become an enduringly comforting favorite.
Nutrition Information
After enjoying chicken sausage and farro soup for many years, I’ve realized it offers excellent nutritional benefits.
| Nutritional Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| High in protein and fiber | The chicken sausage and hardy farro grain provide sustained energy from balanced macros. |
| Low calorie | While still hearty and filling, the soup can be lower in calories depending on sausage choice. |
| Packed with vitamins/minerals | All the veggies like carrots, onions and tomatoes contribute important plant-based nutrients. |
No matter which specific ingredients you use, this soup pairs nicely with a salad to make a well-balanced, filling meal.
The fiber and protein especially leave me feeling satisfied for hours. It’s no wonder this soup has become such a staple in my winter routine!
By focusing on whole, nutritious ingredients, chicken sausage and farro soup delivers a flavorful dose of wholesome sustenance. I feel good knowing it supports my health whether enjoying a big batch or modest portion. No wonder it brings me such comfort – body and soul – season after season.
Tips for Best Flavor
After many batches of soup, I’ve discovered some techniques for coaxing out the most flavor:
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Browning the sausage | Letting the sausage cook until lightly crisped on the outside releases rich fond into the soup. |
| Minced or powdered garlic | For a stronger garlic presence throughout without harshness, use freshly minced or powdered garlic. |
| Crunchy topping | A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or torn bread pieces provide wonderful texture contrast to the soft, hearty soup. |
Browning the sausage before adding other ingredients boosts the savory layer (2). Even a simple minced garlic brightens the whole pot.
A sprinkling of fresh cheese or bread stays delightfully crunchy, imparting another joyful sensory element to each spoonful.
Attention to small details like these have made chicken sausage and farro soup a true winter favorite amongst family and friends over the years.
Conclusion
After many bowls of chicken sausage and farro soup over the years, I’ve found it never fails to hit the spot both emotionally and physically during winter months.
There’s something so cozy about a hot, wholesome soup made with care and comfort in mind.
This version offers simplicity and versatility through key whole foods paired just so. Yet each time, the flavors blend in new ways depending on ingredients or subtle adjustments.
Farro’s nutty richness melds with the savory meatiness of sausage and an ever-changing melody of vegetables.
Whether enjoyed for nourishment on busy days or nourishment of spirit when time allows leisure, chicken sausage and farro soup always feels like an old friend greeting me with open arms.
Its humble ingredients come together in a way that feels restorative from the inside out. Simple pleasures indeed have beauty in their simplicity, especially when shared. Here’s to many more seasons of contentment from bowl to bowl.
If you’ve tried this soup or have your own variations to share, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
References
- https://www.justmaikacooking.com/recipes/italian-chicken-sausage-soup/
- https://homecookworld.com/how-to-brown-sausages-in-your-skillet/
Related Article
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-and-sausage-jambalaya/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/how-to-ground-chicken-sausage/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-health-benefits-nutrition/
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I’m Mary R. Q. , a seasoned professional chef dedicated to elevating home cooking experiences. Through my expertise in the culinary arts, I provide practical cooking tips and insightful reviews of kitchen utensils on my blog, milkwoodrestaurant.com. As a passionate advocate for transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary adventures, I aim to empower home cooks with the knowledge and tools they need to create delicious and memorable dishes. I’m also an author of the book “1,001 Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Helpful Hints for Cooking, Baking, and Cleaning (1,001 Tips & Tricks)” which is sold on Amazon. Join me on a flavorful journey as we explore the art of cooking and the essential tools that make it a joy.
