Savory Escarole and White Bean Soup
This comforting Savory Escarole and White Bean Soup, inspired by Giada De Laurentiis' culinary creations, is a delightful way to combine nutritious ingredients into a hearty dish. The warm, rustic flavors of tender escarole and creamy cannellini beans come together in a savory chicken broth, garnished with a touch of Parmesan and extra virgin olive oil for richness. Perfect for a cozy lunch or a light snack, this soup not only nourishes the body but also warms the soul. Serve it alongside crusty Italian bread for a complete meal that will please any palate.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (extra virgin)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
escarole
1 lb (roughly chopped)
salt
to taste
unsalted chicken stock
4 cups
cannellini beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Parmesan cheese
1 ounce (chunk)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
extra virgin olive oil
6 teaspoons (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic, stirring quickly until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Be careful not to let it burn.
2
Add the roughly chopped escarole to the pot and sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes, or until it wilts. Season with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
3
Pour in the unsalted chicken stock and add the rinsed cannellini beans along with the chunk of Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
4
After 5 minutes, taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
5
Ladle the soup into serving bowls, ensuring each bowl gets a piece of the melted Parmesan.
6
Drizzle each serving with a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil for added richness, and serve hot alongside slices of good, crusty Italian bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Escarole and White Bean Soup?
It is a hearty, rustic soup inspired by Giada De Laurentiis that combines tender escarole, creamy cannellini beans, and savory chicken broth.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include escarole, cannellini beans, chicken stock, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
You should sauté the minced garlic for about 15 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
How do I prepare the escarole for this recipe?
The escarole should be roughly chopped and then sautéed in olive oil for about 2 minutes until it wilts.
What type of beans are used?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed.
Can I use a different type of stock?
Yes, while the recipe specifies unsalted chicken stock, you can use vegetable stock to make it vegetarian.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Why is a chunk of Parmesan cheese added to the pot?
Adding a chunk of Parmesan cheese during the simmer provides richness and a savory depth of flavor to the broth.
What is the recommended garnish?
Each bowl should be drizzled with a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features nutritious greens and fiber-rich beans.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
The recipe includes a vegetarian tag, but you must ensure you use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
What should I serve with this soup?
It is best served hot alongside slices of crusty Italian bread.
How much olive oil is needed for cooking?
You will need 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for the initial sautéing of the garlic and escarole.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What size of escarole is required?
You will need 1 lb of escarole.
Is the chicken stock salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 cups of unsalted chicken stock.
What kind of pepper should I use?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for seasoning to taste.
What should I do with the Parmesan chunk when serving?
When ladling the soup, ensure each bowl gets a piece of the melted Parmesan.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, the recipe suggests seasoning with salt to taste both during the sautéing of the greens and after simmering.
What category does this dish fall under?
This dish is categorized as Lunch/Snacks.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Stir the garlic quickly for only 15 seconds over medium heat and add the escarole immediately to stop the browning process.
What is the preparation for the cannellini beans?
The beans should be drained and rinsed from their 15-ounce can before being added to the soup.
Does this soup use extra virgin olive oil?
Yes, it uses extra virgin olive oil both for sautéing and as a finishing garnish.
How much total olive oil is used for the garnish?
The recipe uses 6 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil across the 6 servings for garnish.
What is the texture of the escarole in the soup?
The escarole becomes tender and wilted after being sautéed and simmered in the broth.
Can this soup be prepared quickly?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick meal' with only a 5-minute simmer time.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary creations of Giada De Laurentiis.
Is this soup a comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as comfort food because of its warm, rustic flavors.
Should the soup be served hot or cold?
The soup should be served hot to enjoy the melted cheese and fragrant broth.