Farro Soup with Mushrooms

• 1/3 cup dried porcini mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1 medium potato, chopped
• 1 pound crimini mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup farro, rinsed
• 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable for vegetarian)
• 1/4 cup dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper, to taste

In a bowl, cover dried porcini mushrooms with a cup of boiling water and set aside for about 20 minutes. Remove from bowl and finely chop the mushrooms; reserve soaking liquid. Slice crimini mushrooms and set aside.

In a pot, heat oil and sauté shallot and potatoes over medium heat until onions soften, for 10-15 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for a few seconds. Add sliced crimini mushrooms and cook until they begin to release liquid, 7-10 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, then raise heat and add the farro and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir in broth and sherry.

Add reserved porcini liquid and porcini mushrooms to the pot. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for about 40 minutes, until barley becomes tender. Stir in balsamic vinegar; then adjust seasonings and serve.