Best Easy Minestra Maritata Recipe

Married soup combines pork meats with leafy greens in this Neapolitan family tradition. This high protein mediterranean dish is a hearty, fresh winter meal that pairs carnivore and vegetable flavors.

Cook 85 min Difficulty NORMAL 320 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • pork shoulder 1 lb
  • Italian sausage 8 oz
  • chicken thighs 8 oz
  • savoy cabbage 4 cups
  • escarole 4 cups
  • Swiss chard 2 cups
  • carrot 1 piece
  • celery stalk 2 pieces
  • yellow onion 1 piece
  • white beans 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • garlic cloves 3 pieces
  • bay leaf 1 piece
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • Parmesan cheese 0.25 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 15 g 19%
Protein 26 g 32%
Fat 15 g 49%
Serving size 380g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sear pork shoulder and Italian sausage until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

  2. 2

    In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté over medium-low heat until soft but not browned, about 6 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last minute.

  3. 3

    Return the browned meats to the pot with the chicken thighs, bay leaf, and enough water to cover (about 8 cups). Bring to a simmer, skimming any foam, and cook on low heat for 45 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add white beans, chopped cabbage, escarole, and Swiss chard to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer gently for another 30 minutes until the greens are tender.

  5. 5

    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf and any large bones from the pot. Serve hot in bowls, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Minestra Maritata recipe?
The signature of Minestra Maritata is its marriage of pork meats—specifically pork shoulder and Italian sausage—with robust leafy greens like savoy cabbage, escarole, and Swiss chard. These ingredients create the dish's classic blend of savory richness and freshness.
Q. How important is heat control when cooking this soup?
Heat control is vital. Searing meats on medium heat first develops deep flavor. Once all ingredients are combined, a low simmer allows flavors to meld while maintaining meat tenderness. Boiling too vigorously can toughen the protein and make greens mushy.
Q. How do I avoid overcooking the greens in Minestra Maritata?
To preserve the greens’ texture, add them only after the meats have simmered nearly fully. Simmer gently just until the greens are tender but still bright and structured, usually about 30 minutes. This keeps them from turning limp and overcooked.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each serving of this Minestra Maritata provides around 320 kcal and 26g of protein. Protein makes up about 32% of the calories, contributing to the soup’s hearty, nourishing profile.
Q. Is this recipe suitable for a Mediterranean diet?
Yes. Minestra Maritata features olive oil, beans, and plenty of leafy greens, all staples of the Mediterranean diet, along with a balanced blend of pork and chicken for protein.
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