Best Easy Minestra di Scarola Recipe

Escarole soup with garlic and white beans is a Neapolitan classic full of bitter greens and fiber. This vegetarian mediterranean soup is healthy, high protein, and great for family dinners and lower cholesterol.

Cook 40 min Difficulty NORMAL 215 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #high protein
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • escarole 2 heads
  • cannellini beans 2 cups
  • vegetable broth 6 cups
  • crusty bread 6 slices
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • garlic 4 cloves
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • red chili flakes 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 34 g 63%
Protein 11 g 20%
Fat 4 g 17%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Trim escarole heads, wash thoroughly, and tear leaves into bite-sized pieces.

  2. 2

    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

  3. 3

    Add escarole to the pot, tossing with oil and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until wilted.

  4. 4

    Pour in vegetable broth, add beans, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

  5. 5

    Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot with slices of crusty bread.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Escarole is the star of Minestra di Scarola, bringing its distinctive bold, bitter greens flavor and tender texture. Combined with white cannellini beans and garlic, these ingredients create a balanced, hearty soup reflective of classic Neapolitan cooking.
Q. How should the heat be managed while cooking?
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat — this ensures the garlic releases its aroma without burning. After adding escarole, sauté for a gentle wilt, then simmer the soup over medium-low heat once the broth and beans are added. This prevents the greens from overcooking and preserves both flavor and nutrition.
Q. How can I avoid mushy escarole or beans?
Avoid overcooking by sautéing escarole just until softened and simmering the soup gently for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally but not vigorously; this keeps the beans whole and the escarole tender without turning either ingredient to mush.
Q. How many calories and nutrients are in each serving?
Each 320g serving contains about 215 kcal, with 34g carbohydrates (63%), 11g protein (20%), and 4g fat (17%). This balance makes the soup filling and nutritious while staying relatively low in fat.
Q. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian and Mediterranean diets?
Yes, all ingredients are plant-based and align well with Mediterranean dietary principles, making it vegetarian, Mediterranean, and also high in protein thanks to the ample beans.
AI 채팅 아이콘