Escarole soup

Certainly! Escarole soup, also known as Italian wedding soup, is a delicious and comforting dish. Here’s a simple recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 1 head of escarole, chopped
• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup small pasta (such as orzo or acini di pepe)
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (optional)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Rinse the escarole thoroughly to remove any dirt, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
   • If using Italian sausage, remove the casings and break the sausage into small pieces.
2. Cook the Sausage (if using):
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
3. Saute the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add a little olive oil if needed, then add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the Broth and Escarole:
   • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot. Bring it to a simmer.
   • Add the chopped escarole to the pot and let it wilt in the broth. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the escarole is tender.
5. Cook the Pasta:
   • While the soup is simmering, cook the pasta separately according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Combine Everything:
   • Once the escarole is tender, return the cooked sausage (if using) to the pot.
   • Add the cooked pasta to the soup and stir to combine.
   • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the escarole soup into bowls.
   • Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
8. Enjoy!
   • Serve the soup hot and enjoy its comforting flavors.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade escarole soup!