Escarole Soup with Caesar Croutons
Greens and beans are enriched with seasoned toasted croutons in this comforting soup.
Cooks' Note: If you are making the soup ahead of time, cool and store it in the refrigerator. Cool the croutons and store them in foil in a cool, dry place. Reheat the soup over medium heat and reheat the croutons in a foil pouch if you wish to serve them warm.
Ingredients
For the croutons:
- 1/2 loaf white Pullman bread or brioche bread
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 4 anchovies or 2 teaspoons anchovy paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 cup shredded Pecorino cheese
- Cracked black pepper
For the soup:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 heads escarole, coarsely chopped
- A little freshly grated nutmeg
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1 can cannellini beans (28 ounces)
- Zest of 1 lemon
Preparation
Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.
For the croutons: Place a wire rack over a baking sheet. Trim the crust from the bread and cut it into 1 1/2-inch cubes. Spread the bread cubes on the rack and toast in the oven until light golden, 12-15 minutes.
In a small pot, heat the EVOO with the anchovies over medium-low heat. When the anchovies melt into the EVOO, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic and lemon juice, then remove from the heat. Place the croutons in a bowl, pour the dressing over them and toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese and season liberally with pepper. Spread the croutons on the baking sheet and return to the oven until they are deep golden and the cheese has set, 7-10 minutes.
For the soup: Heat the EVOO in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, 5-6 minutes. Add the escarole and cook until wilted, then season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add the chicken stock, beans and lemon zest. Simmer at a low boil until the greens are tender and no longer bitter. Serve topped with the Caesar croutons.
Cooks' Note: If you are making the soup ahead of time, cool and store it in the refrigerator. Cool the croutons and store them in foil in a cool, dry place. Reheat the soup over medium heat and reheat the croutons in a foil pouch if you wish to serve them warm.
