Zuppa d'Orzo, or Tyrolean Barley Soup, is a hearty and nourishing dish hailing from the Trentino-Alto Adige region. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days, combining the wholesome goodness of barley with vegetables, speck, and flavorful broth. Using high-quality ingredients from Flora Fine Foods, you can easily recreate this traditional alpine favorite in your own kitchen.
Dice the speck or smoked bacon, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the carrots, celery, and potato.
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the Flora Fine Foods Extra Virgin Olive Oil over medium heat.
Add the diced speck or smoked bacon and cook until it starts to brown and release its fat, about 5 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Vegetables and Barley:
Add the diced carrots, celery, potato, and sliced leek to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes.
Stir in the rinsed barley and mix well to coat it with the oil and vegetables.
Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the bay leaf.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45-50 minutes, or until the barley and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the barley from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Season and Serve:
Remove the bay leaf from the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Flora Fine Foods Grated Parmigiano if desired.
Enjoy your Zuppa d'Orzo! Buon appetito!
This hearty and delicious Tyrolean Soup, made with Flora Fine Foods ingredients, brings the flavors of the Italian Alps right to your table.