Mamma's Escarole Soup

Warm up your kitchen with the comforting embrace of Mamma’s Escarole Soup, a hearty and flavorful Italian classic that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. This soulful recipe features tender escarole, simmered to perfection in a rich chicken broth, and studded with bite-sized, golden-browned meatballs made from a delicious blend of ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic. Quick to prepare and bursting with wholesome ingredients, this soup is a delightful balance of robust flavors and rustic charm. Serve it piping hot with a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano for an extra touch of indulgence, and pair it with crusty bread for an authentic Italian experience. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing starter, Mamma’s Escarole Soup is sure to satisfy every palate.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 heads Escarole
• 1 pound Ground beef
• 0.5 pound Ground pork
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 pieces Eggs
• 8 cups Chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Thoroughly wash the escarole under cold running water to remove all dirt and impurities. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, eggs, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with clean hands until fully combined.

Step 3

Roll the meat mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a plate or baking sheet.

Step 4

Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and sear them on all sides until golden brown. Remove the meatballs and set aside.

Step 5

Using the same pot, add the escarole and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted.

Step 6

Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and add the seared meatballs.

Step 7

Simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and ensuring the meatballs are fully cooked.

Step 8

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9

Serve the soup hot, garnished with Pecorino Romano cheese if desired, along with crusty bread or a side salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3499.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3062.7

Total Fat 214.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 82.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.7g
Cholesterol 1011.7mg	0%
Sodium 10803.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 71.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.7g	0%
Total Sugars 9.7g
Protein 222.9g	0%

Vitamin D 82IU	0%
Calcium 1692.6mg	0%
Iron 23.2mg	0%
Potassium 4395.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.2%

Protein: 28.7%

Carbs: 9.1%