Daval

Tuscan Bean and Escarole Soup with Parmesan Croutons
by Alison Kent and The Canadian Living Test Kitchen

The slight bitterness of escarole in this hearty all-season soup balances the sweet richness of carrots, tomatoes and beans. If you can't find escarole, curly endive is a good substitute. It adds a touch of bitterness and needs just a minute or two more cooking.

Servings: 8
Ingredients:
Nutritional Info
Per serving: about -
cal 175
pro 8 g
total fat 7 g
sat. fat 2 g
carb 22 g
fibre 5 g
chol 4 mg
sodium 644 mg
% RDI: -
calcium 12%
iron 18%
vit A 25%
vit C 28%
folate 38%

1 tbsp (15 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 each carrot and stalk celery, diced
1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried basil or oregano
1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper
2 cups (500 mL) sodium-reduced chicken stock
1 can (28 oz/796 mL) diced tomatoes
1 can (19 oz/540 mL) romano beans, drained and rinsed
1 zucchini, diced
4 cups (1 L) coarsely chopped escarole (about half bunch)
Parmesan Croutons:
2 cups (500 mL) cubed (1/4 inch/5 mm) day-old bread
1/3 cup (75 mL) grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp (25 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
Pinch each salt and cayenne pepper

Preparation:
Parmesan Croutons: In bowl, toss together bread, Parmesan cheese, oil, salt and cayenne; spread on rimmed baking sheet. Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven until golden and crisp, about 10 minutes. Let cool. (Make-ahead: Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.)

In Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat; fry onion, garlic, carrot, celery, basil, salt and pepper, stirring often, until softened, about 8 minutes.

Stir in 2-1/2 cups (625 mL) water, stock, tomatoes and beans; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 25 minutes.

Add zucchini; cook for 5 minutes. Stir in escarole; cook until wilted, 5 minutes. (Make-ahead: Let cool for 30 minutes; refrigerate, uncovered, until cold. Transfer to airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.)

Ladle into bowls and garnish with croutons.

Source-Canadian Living Magazine: November 2007

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I make this soup once every few weeks. My family (and even my kids!) and I just love it. It is very healthy and hearty and just comforting to eat.

I do leave out the Zucchinni and up the chopped tomato though, I just find the texture of the zucchini in the soup to be wierd but you may like it. I don't usually bother with the parmesan croutons either and just spoon freshly grated parmesan in the soup. Fantastic.

__________________
"It is impossible to obtain a conviction for sodomy from an English jury. Half of them don't believe that it can physically be done, and the other half are doing it."
Winston Churchill

jewels

That sounds yummy. I've never seen romano beans but they look a lot like black-eyed peas? Or even white limas might be nice. I love the flavor of escarole. Even more with beans. Thanks.

__________________
We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.
Mark Twain

Daval

These are the ones I buy:-

__________________
"It is impossible to obtain a conviction for sodomy from an English jury. Half of them don't believe that it can physically be done, and the other half are doing it."
Winston Churchill

noodle

How well does it freeze?
I make a lot of soups to keep in the freezer for easy meals but I've never frozen a bean soup...

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jewels

I saw that first one when I looked them up. I don't believe I've seen them locally, but maybe that's 'cause I wasn't looking for them. I'll definitely check it out.

__________________
We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.
Mark Twain

Daval

I've not tried freezing it. I meant to save some last time to try that but ended up eating it all.

__________________
"It is impossible to obtain a conviction for sodomy from an English jury. Half of them don't believe that it can physically be done, and the other half are doing it."
Winston Churchill

snowy

According to my googlefu, borlotti and/or cranberry beans can be substituted for romano beans. I've never seen romano beans on a shelf here, and I buy a lot of beans--navy, cannellini, kidney, black, etc. I'll look when I go to the giant grocery store tonight for my shopping.

__________________
If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau