Escarole Soup with Caesar Croutons

  4.8 – 4 reviews  • Soup
Level: Easy
Total: 45 min
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 1/2 loaf white Pullman or brioche bread
  2. 1/3 cup EVOO
  3. 4 anchovies or 2 teaspoons anchovy paste
  4. 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  5. 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  6. Juice of 1/2 lemon
  7. 1 cup shredded pecorino cheese
  8. Cracked black pepper
  9. 2 tablespoons EVOO
  10. 2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  11. 1 medium onion, chopped
  12. Salt and freshly ground pepper
  13. 2 heads escarole, coarsely chopped
  14. A little freshly grated nutmeg
  15. 6 cups chicken stock
  16. One 28-ounce can cannellini beans
  17. Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. For the croutons: Place a wire rack over a baking sheet. Trim the crust from the bread and cut it into 1 1/2-inch cubes. Spread the bread cubes on the rack and toast in the oven until light golden, 12 to 15 minutes.
  3. In a small pot, heat the EVOO with the anchovies over medium-low heat. When the anchovies melt into the oil, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic and lemon juice, then remove from the heat. Place the croutons in a bowl, pour the dressing over them and toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese and season liberally with pepper. Spread the croutons on the baking sheet and return to the oven until they are deep golden and the cheese has set, 7 to 10 minutes.
  4. For the soup: Heat the EVOO in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the escarole and cook until wilted, then season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add the chicken stock, beans and lemon zest. Simmer at a low boil until the greens are tender and no longer bitter. Serve topped with the Caesar croutons.
  5. Cooks’ Note: If you are making the soup ahead of time, cool and store it in the refrigerator. Cool the croutons and store them in foil in a cool, dry place. Reheat the soup over medium heat and reheat the croutons in a foil pouch if you wish to serve them warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 of 4 servings
Calories 927
Total Fat 43 g
Saturated Fat 12 g
Carbohydrates 95 g
Dietary Fiber 14 g
Sugar 10 g
Protein 42 g
Cholesterol 79 mg
Sodium 1787 mg

Reviews

Jessica Hopkins
I used this as a starting point for my soup. I omitted the beans and it was still super delicious. Escarole is so nutritious. This is a good way to get it into your diet.
Jennifer Dawson
The croutons are wonderful and really lend complexity to the simple soup-without them the soup would be nothing special.
Kristine Gomez
Awesome. I sauteed some pancetta and added the garlic for the soup. It was delicious.
Blake Davis
OMG. . . . . . simply wonderful.

 

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