Escarole Soup

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Course: Soup
Cuisine: Italian

Equipment

  • 1 large pot

Ingredients

For the meatballs

  • 1 1/2 lbs ground veal ground chicken or turkey may be substituted
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs may be gluten free, finely ground
  • 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper

For the soup

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large, sweet onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped, approx 2 heaping tsps
  • 3 quarts chicken stock or broth can use your own chicken soup made with 4 chicken thighs
  • 8 heads escarole about 8 lbs., washed thoroughly and chopped into 2-3 inch pieces
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese grated

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large baking sheet or two with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine ALL the meatloaf ingredients (1 1/2 lbs ground veal, 2 eggs, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp italian seasoning, salt and pepper).
  • Using a scoop or tablespoon, make small meatballs, about 1/2 inch in diameter, out of the mixture and place them on the lined baking sheet. You should fill the baking sheet.
  • Bake for 10 minutes. They will be set, but not cooked through. Set aside. (I don't do this with the beef. I think the turkey or chicken hold together better in the soup).
  • Tear or cut 8 heads escarole. Wash in a sink full of water 2 times.
  • Boil the escarole for about 5 or 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • While the meatballs are in the oven, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the 1 large, sweet onion. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until slightly softened, then add 3 cloves garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then add the 3 quarts chicken stock or broth, leaving enough room in the pot for the escarole and meatballs. Turn the heat to high.
  • Once the broth or stock comes to a boil, add the escarole. Let cook for little while, then add the meatballs. Let cook for about 10 minutes, then add the beaten 2 eggs, stirring soup so the eggs scramble throughout. Then add 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, constantly stirring to avoid clumping.
  • Turn off the heat. Add salt and pepper, if needed.