Escole Soup
Escole Soup is a hearty Italian-inspired dish with tender escole, flavorful chicken meatballs, and cheesy broth, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the broth.
- In another pot, boil the escole in water until tender, then drain.
- Mix ground chicken with bread crumbs and 1 beaten egg.
- Form the mixture into mini meatballs.
- Fry the meatballs in vegetable oil until cooked through.
- In a separate pot, boil the pastine until al dente.
- Add the drained escole, pastine, and cooked meatballs to the broth.
- Stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of grated Locatelli cheese.
- Drop the beaten egg into the soup mixture and stir well.
- Simmer everything together for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding minced garlic and onion to the broth while heating. If you don't have Locatelli cheese, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano can be great substitutes. You can also use ground turkey instead of chicken for a lighter option. To enhance the dish, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the escole soup hot, garnished with additional grated Locatelli cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. This comforting soup also pairs beautifully with Chicken Tortellini Alfredo for a hearty Italian dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the soup to prevent it from thickening too much. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Escole Soup contains roughly 354 calories, with 17g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. At about 354 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for the chicken broth and omitting the ground chicken. You can add more vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to enhance the flavor and texture.
How can I make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can blend a portion of it and then stir it back in or add more pastine. Another option is to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the simmering soup until it thickens.
What can I serve with escole soup?
This soup is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. For an Italian twist, consider pairing it with Fred'S Stromboli for a satisfying meal that complements the flavors of the soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).