Name: Escarole Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¼ lb dried white beans; 5 cups vegetable stock; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp garlic; 1 small white onion; 2 cups escarole; salt and pepper

This comforting escarole soup brings together the mild bitterness of escarole and the creamy texture of white beans. Perfect for a chilly evening, it's a healthy and satisfying option that will warm you from the inside out.

Photos of Escarole Soup Recipe

While most of the ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples, escarole might be less familiar to some. Escarole is a leafy green vegetable, similar to lettuce but with a slightly bitter taste. It's usually found in the produce section near other leafy greens. If you can't find it, kale or spinach can be used as substitutes.

Ingredients for Escarole Soup

Dried white beans: These beans add a creamy texture and are a good source of protein and fiber.

Vegetable stock: A flavorful liquid base for the soup, enhancing its depth and richness.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and onion, adding a rich, fruity flavor.

Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the soup.

White onion: Provides a mild, sweet flavor and forms the base of the soup’s aromatic profile.

Escarole: A slightly bitter leafy green that adds texture and nutritional value.

Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the soup.

One reader, Jenifer Muse says:

This escarole soup recipe is fantastic! The flavors blend beautifully, and the beans add a hearty touch. It's easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal. Highly recommend!

Jenifer Muse

Key Techniques for Crafting Escarole Soup

How to cook dried beans: Soak the beans overnight or use the quick-soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes, then letting them sit for 1 hour before cooking. How to sauté: Heat oil in a pan and cook ingredients like garlic and onions until they are soft and translucent. How to wilt greens: Cook the escarole in a pan until it becomes soft and reduces in volume.

How To Make Escarole Soup

Cook a warm, hearty dish with this escarole soup. It comes with white beans cooked in stock, plus escarole sauteed with onion and garlic.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

Instructions

1. In a soup kettle or Dutch oven, combine the bean and stock.

1. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover lightly, and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender.

1. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a saucepan, and sauté the garlic and onion until the onions are translucent.

1. Add the escarole, and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes, or until the escarole is well wilted.

1. Add to the beans, recover, and continue to cook for about 20 minutes.

1. Turn off the heat, and adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

1. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

- Calories: 120.46kcal

- Fat: 4.81g

- Saturated Fat: 0.70g

- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.35g

- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.58g

- Carbohydrates: 15.39g

- Fiber: 4.34g

- Sugar: 1.03g

- Protein: 5.13g

- Sodium: 599.60mg

- Calcium: 70.05mg

- Potassium: 450.64mg

- Iron: 2.27mg

- Vitamin A: 7.07µg

- Vitamin C: 3.11mg

Mastering the Art of Escarole Soup: A Technique Tip

To ensure your dried white beans cook evenly and become tender, consider soaking them overnight in water before you start the recipe. This will help reduce the cooking time and improve the texture of the beans in your escarole soup.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe

Use canned beans: Substitute dried white beans with canned beans to save soaking and cooking time.

Pre-chop ingredients: Chop the garlic, onion, and escarole in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Batch cook: Make a larger batch of vegetable stock and freeze portions for future use.

Quick sauté: Use a higher heat setting to sauté the garlic and onion faster, just be careful not to burn them.

Use a pressure cooker: Cook the beans and vegetable stock in a pressure cooker to significantly reduce cooking time.

Substitute Ingredients For Escarole Soup Recipe

dried white beans - Substitute with canned white beans: Canned beans are already cooked, saving you time. Just rinse and drain before adding to the soup.
vegetable stock - Substitute with chicken stock: Chicken stock adds a richer flavor, though it will make the dish non-vegetarian.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter taste that complements the soup well.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a similar texture and slightly sweeter flavor.
escarole - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar texture and slightly bitter taste, making it a good alternative.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor along with the saltiness.
pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and complexity to the soup.

How to Beautifully Present Escarole Soup

Use a deep, elegant bowl: Choose a pristine white bowl to contrast with the vibrant colors of the escarole soup, enhancing its visual appeal.
Layer the ingredients: Start by placing the tender white beans at the bottom of the bowl, followed by the wilted escarole and translucent onions.
Drizzle with olive oil: Finish with a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top to add a touch of richness and shine.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley to the center of the bowl for a pop of color and an aromatic hint.
Serve with artisan bread: Accompany the soup with a slice of toasted artisan bread on the side, brushed with olive oil and lightly sprinkled with sea salt.
Use a soup spoon with a unique design: Opt for a sleek, modern soup spoon to elevate the dining experience and complement the sophisticated presentation.
Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and cracked pepper: Just before serving, add a final touch of freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors and add a bit of texture.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Escarole Soup

Soup kettle: A large pot used for cooking the beans and stock together, allowing for even heat distribution and ample space for simmering.
Dutch oven: An alternative to the soup kettle, this heavy-duty pot retains heat well and is perfect for slow-cooking the beans.
Saucepan: Used for sautéing the garlic and onion, and later cooking the escarole until it is well wilted.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the garlic, onion, and escarole without scratching the surface of your saucepan.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the vegetable stock and escarole.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil and any seasonings like salt and pepper.
Chef's knife: Necessary for chopping the garlic and onion finely.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping the garlic and onion.
Colander: Useful for rinsing the dried white beans before adding them to the soup kettle.
Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup into bowls once it's ready.

Proper Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Escarole Soup

Let the escarole soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to spoilage.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making the soup even more delicious.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following steps:
- Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave some headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, ensuring they lie flat for even freezing and efficient storage.
- Escarole soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
To reheat the frozen soup, you have two options:
- Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then transfer it to a pot and heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- For a quicker method, place the frozen soup directly into a pot and heat over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Break up any frozen chunks with a spoon as the soup thaws and heats up.
If the reheated soup appears too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little vegetable stock or water until you reach the desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

The Best Methods for Reheating Escarole Soup

Reheat the leftover escarole soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures even heating and allows you to adjust the consistency by adding more vegetable stock or water if needed.
For a quick and easy reheating option, transfer the leftover soup to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until it's heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
If you have stored the escarole and beans separately from the broth, reheat the broth in a saucepan until it's simmering, then add the escarole and beans. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through and the flavors have melded together.
For a rustic twist, reheat the leftover soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Place the dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through and the edges are slightly crispy.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your leftover soup, sauté some fresh garlic and onion in a pan with olive oil before adding the leftover soup. This will give the soup a fresh, aromatic boost and enhance its overall taste.

Fascinating Trivia About Escarole Soup

A random fact about this escarole soup recipe is that escarole is a type of leafy green vegetable from the chicory family, known for its slightly bitter taste. This makes it a great addition to soups, as it adds a unique flavor profile and is packed with vitamins A and K.

Budget-Friendly: Is Escarole Soup Cost-Effective?

This escarole soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like dried white beans, vegetable stock, garlic, and onion are inexpensive and readily available. Escarole adds a nutritious touch without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is Escarole Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?

This escarole soup recipe is a nutritious and wholesome dish that offers several health benefits. The use of white beans provides a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate. Escarole, a leafy green vegetable, is rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health. The vegetable stock keeps the soup low in calories and fat, while the garlic and onion add flavor and potential anti-inflammatory properties.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this soup, consider the following suggestions:

Increase the variety of vegetables by adding carrots, celery, or diced tomatoes to boost the soup's vitamin and mineral content
Replace the white beans with lentils or chickpeas for a different texture and slightly higher protein content
Drizzle a small amount of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on top of each serving to increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and add heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for an extra flavor boost and a source of calcium and B vitamins
Serve the soup with a side of whole-grain bread or crackers to provide additional fiber and complex carbohydrates

Our Editor's Honest Opinion on Escarole Soup

This escarole soup recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. The combination of tender white beans and wilted escarole creates a hearty, nutritious dish. Sautéing the garlic and onion in olive oil adds a rich, aromatic base that complements the vegetable stock beautifully. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks while delivering a satisfying, comforting meal. Adjusting the salt and pepper at the end ensures the seasoning is just right. Overall, it's a wholesome, flavorful soup perfect for a cozy dinner.

Enhance Your Escarole Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: Garlic Bread: Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, each slice generously brushed with butter and garlic. This crispy delight will perfectly complement the hearty flavors of your escarole soup.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Picture these brussels sprouts caramelized to perfection, their natural sweetness enhanced by a hint of balsamic glaze. This side dish adds a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor to your meal.

Caprese Salad: Caprese Salad: Visualize a vibrant salad featuring juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a touch of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This refreshing dish brings a taste of summer to your table.

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms: Envision mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, baked until golden and bubbling. These bite-sized delights offer a rich and satisfying contrast to your soup.

Fruit Tart: Fruit Tart: Conclude your meal with a stunning dessert featuring a buttery crust filled with creamy custard and topped with an array of fresh fruits. This sweet treat provides a light and refreshing end to your culinary experience.

Delicious Alternatives to Escarole Soup Recipe

Tuscan White Bean Soup: Dive into the heart of Tuscany with this comforting soup. Featuring creamy white beans, hearty vegetables, and a hint of rosemary, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in.

Italian Wedding Soup: A delightful blend of meatballs, greens, and tiny pasta, this classic soup is a celebration in every bowl. Perfect for any occasion, it brings warmth and joy to the table.

Minestrone Soup: Packed with a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta, this soup is a hearty and nutritious option. Each spoonful is a burst of flavor and texture, making it a family favorite.

Lentil and Spinach Soup: Rich in protein and fiber, this soup combines earthy lentils with fresh spinach for a wholesome meal. It's both satisfying and nourishing, ideal for a healthy diet.

Chickpea and Kale Soup: This vibrant soup features tender chickpeas and nutrient-packed kale. It's a delicious way to enjoy your greens and legumes in one delightful bowl.

Ideal Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Escarole Soup

Appetizers:

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a delightful starter that combines the crispiness of toasted bread with the freshness of diced tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The bread is typically rubbed with garlic and topped with a mixture of tomatoes, olive oil, and seasonings. This appetizer is perfect for showcasing the vibrant flavors of fresh produce and is sure to whet your appetite.

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a savory treat that features mushroom caps filled with a rich mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs. The filling can be customized with ingredients like spinach, sausage, or crab meat to add an extra layer of flavor. Baked until golden brown and crispy, these bite-sized delights are perfect for any gathering.

Desserts:

Tiramisu: Indulge in the classic Italian dessert that layers espresso-soaked ladyfingers with a rich mascarpone cream. The cocoa powder dusting on top adds a touch of bitterness that perfectly balances the sweetness. This treat is best enjoyed chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Panna Cotta: Experience the silky smooth texture of this Italian delight. The creamy base is infused with vanilla and can be topped with a variety of fruit compotes or caramel sauce. This dessert is not only visually stunning but also a delight to the palate, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.

Why trust this Escarole Soup Recipe:

This escarole soup recipe is a trusted favorite because it combines simple, wholesome ingredients like dried white beans, vegetable stock, and escarole to create a nourishing and flavorful dish. The step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice cooks can achieve a delicious result. The use of olive oil and fresh garlic and onion enhances the soup's depth of flavor, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.

Share your thoughts on this Escarole Soup Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section and let us know if you have any tips or variations to enhance the flavors!

FAQ:

How do I know when the beans are tender?

You can tell the beans are tender when they are soft and can be easily mashed with a fork. If they still feel firm, give them a bit more time to cook.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup. You can skip the initial boiling step and add them directly to the stock.

What if I don't have vegetable stock?

If you don't have vegetable stock, you can use water and add a vegetable bouillon cube or two for flavor. Chicken stock is also a good alternative if you're not strictly vegetarian.

How do I clean escarole?

To clean escarole, separate the leaves and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. You can also soak them in a bowl of water and then rinse.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.