Best Easy Minestra Maritata di Natale Recipe

Neapolitan 'married soup' unites various meats with leafy greens in a rich broth. This high protein mediterranean Christmas dish is a family tradition celebrating the marriage of meat and vegetables.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 310 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • bone-in beef shank 1 lb
  • pork shoulder 1 lb
  • Italian sausage 12 oz
  • chicken thighs 12 oz
  • escarole 2 cups
  • Swiss chard 2 cups
  • spinach 1 cup
  • carrots 2 pieces
  • celery 2 stalks
  • yellow onion 1 piece
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • sea salt 1.5 tsp
  • black pepper 1 tsp
  • garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • bay leaf 2 pieces
  • fresh parsley 0.5 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 18 g 23%
Protein 24 g 31%
Fat 13 g 38%
Serving size 330g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high. Sear beef shank and pork shoulder until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.

  2. 2

    Add chicken thighs and Italian sausage, sear for 3–4 minutes, then remove all meat and set aside.

  3. 3

    Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for 6 minutes until softened and fragrant.

  4. 4

    Return all meat to the pot. Add bay leaves, salt, pepper, and enough water to cover (about 8 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer. Skim foam and simmer gently for 80 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add escarole, Swiss chard, and spinach. Simmer for additional 25 minutes, stirring occasionally and adjusting seasoning as needed. Stir in fresh parsley and remove bay leaves before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The essential flavors of Minestra Maritata di Natale come from the combination of bone-in beef shank, pork shoulder, Italian sausage, and chicken thighs. These meats create a savory and complex broth, while leafy greens like escarole, Swiss chard, and spinach balance the richness and define the dish's texture and identity.
Q. How can I control heat and timing for the best broth?
Proper heat management is crucial: after browning the meat over medium-high heat, reduce to medium for vegetable sautéing. When simmering, keep the heat low and steady to extract maximum flavor without clouding the broth. Allow meats to gently simmer for 80 minutes, and greens to cook for an additional 25 minutes, ensuring depth and clarity.
Q. How do I avoid overcooked or mushy greens in this soup?
Add the leafy greens (escarole, Swiss chard, spinach) only in the final 25 minutes of simmering. Stir occasionally and keep the pot uncovered for the last 10 minutes. This prevents over-softening, preserves their texture, and ensures that the classic 'marriage' of meat and vegetables remains balanced.
Q. What is the nutritional breakdown per serving?
Each 330g serving contains 310 kcal, with 24g protein (31%), 18g carbohydrates (23%), and 13g fat (38%). The high protein content makes this soup a nourishing choice, suitable for those seeking a balanced Mediterranean meal during the holidays.
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