Zuppa Di Scalora(Escarole Soup)
A hearty Italian escarole soup with flavorful broth, vegetables, pork fat, and cheese, perfect for warming and nourishing in any season.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- Add the diced carrot, celery, and sliced onion to the broth.
- Simmer over low heat for 1 hour.
- In a separate pan, cook the finely chopped pork fat until crispy.
- Add the chopped garlic to the pork fat and cook until fragrant.
- Stir the pork fat and garlic mixture into the simmered broth.
- Add the shredded escarole to the soup and cook until wilted.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs well.
- Gradually add the beaten eggs into the hot soup, stirring gently to create egg ribbons.
- Stir in the grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and ground pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. If you don't have pork fat, bacon or pancetta can be good substitutes. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Adjust the thickness of the soup by varying the amount of escarole; more will yield a heartier dish. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot, garnished with additional grated cheese on top. This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or crusty Italian bread. For a complete meal, try serving it alongside Italian Wedding Chicken. For extra flavor, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Zuppa Di Scalora in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the eggs and change the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zuppa Di Scalora(Escarole Soup) contains roughly 5152 calories, with 46g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 519g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (108% of the Daily Value), iron (96% of the Daily Value), and protein (92% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1726mg per serving (75% of the Daily Value).
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 use another type of green instead of escarole?
Yes, you can substitute escarole with other greens like kale or Swiss chard. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly. Each green will impart a different flavor profile, making for a unique twist on this traditional soup.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Zuppa Di Scalora can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just be aware that the texture of the eggs may change upon reheating. To maintain the best quality, add the cheese just before serving to keep it fresh.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the pork fat. You might want to enhance the flavor with additional herbs or a splash of soy sauce. The soup will still be hearty and delicious!
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).