chicken escarole soup with meatballs

Lemon

3 min read

·

03-02-2025

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Chicken escarole soup with meatballs is the epitome of comforting Italian-American cuisine. This hearty, flavorful soup is perfect for a chilly evening or when you need a nourishing and satisfying meal. The slightly bitter escarole perfectly complements the savory meatballs and rich chicken broth, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you wanting more. This recipe goes beyond a simple recipe; it’s a journey into the heart of Italian-American culinary tradition.

Understanding the Ingredients: Key to Flavor Perfection

Before we dive into the recipe, let's explore the key ingredients that make this soup so special:

• Chicken Broth: The foundation of the soup, a good quality chicken broth is essential. Homemade is best, but a low-sodium store-bought broth works well too. Look for broths with a clean flavor profile, free of excessive seasonings.

• Escarole: This slightly bitter, dark green leafy vegetable adds depth and complexity to the soup. Its texture softens beautifully during cooking, offering a pleasing contrast to the meatballs. Don't be intimidated by its bitterness; it mellows significantly when cooked in the flavorful broth.

• Meatballs: The heart of the matter! These aren't your average meatballs. We'll be making them from scratch using a blend of ground beef, pork, and flavorful herbs and spices. The key is to gently mix the ingredients, avoiding overworking the meat, to achieve a tender and juicy texture.

• Garlic and Onions: The aromatic base that infuses the entire soup with delicious flavor. Sautéing these gently before adding the other ingredients releases their natural sweetness and ensures a well-rounded taste profile.

• Beans (Optional): Adding cannellini or great northern beans elevates the soup's nutritional value and adds another layer of texture. The beans absorb the flavors of the broth, resulting in a more complex and satisfying taste.

Recipe: Chicken Escarole Soup with Meatballs

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup:

• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 large head escarole, chopped (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup cannellini beans (optional), rinsed and drained
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, gently combine all the meatball ingredients. Avoid overmixing. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.

2. Brown the Meatballs: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove the meatballs and set aside.

3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Simmer the Soup: Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and optional cannellini beans to the pot. Bring to a simmer.

5. Add Meatballs and Escarole: Return the meatballs to the pot. Add the chopped escarole. Simmer until the escarole is wilted and tender, about 10-15 minutes.

6. Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This hearty soup is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve with crusty bread: Dipping bread into the flavorful broth is a must!
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes: For those who like a little heat.
• Use different greens: Spinach or kale can be substituted for escarole.
• Add pasta: Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can be added during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

This Chicken Escarole Soup with Meatballs recipe is more than just a meal; it's a taste of tradition, comfort, and deliciousness. Enjoy!