Escarole and Beans with Sausage

When I was growing up one of my favorite dinners my mom used to make was Scarola e Fagioli--escarole and beans. Now that’s Italian. Today, I will share with you my version of her ‘one pot wonder’. Escarole and beans with sausage is so colorful, full of flavor and packed with nutritional value. 

Did you know that escarole is in the chicory family and is an excellent source of vitamins A, K and folic acid? Some say its curly green leaves have a bitter taste to them--I say bring it on. Serve this high fiber, heart healthy dish over pasta to make a mouth watering meal.

The ingredient list includes one head of escarole, rough cut and washed thoroughly. It can be very dirty. One pound of pasta, one can red or dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed well, one can of diced tomatoes, two cups chicken broth, approximately one pound Luganiga Italian Sausage, spicy or regular, out of the casings, a loaf of Italian bread, two bay leaves fresh or dry, a few basil leaves, four to five chopped garlic cloves, olive oil, grated cheese, like Pecorino Romano, salt and pepper.

First, fill a pasta pot with water and set to boil. Then coat the bottom of another large pot with olive oil, add your sausage meat and cook well on medium low heat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Once the sausage is browned up nicely, your garlic goes in. Continue to sauté. Put the escarole and basil atop your sausage and toss. When it cooks down some, usually about one to two minutes, add your diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaves and mix well. Cover and simmer on low for approximately seven to eight minutes. Add your kidney beans and cook uncovered for another seven to eight minutes. Cook your choice of pasta according to the package.

When your pasta is done, strain it and ladle into serving bowls. Scoop the escarole and beans with sausage on top. Don’t forget the cheese. Everything tastes better with grated cheese sprinkled on it. Slice up the Italian bread because you know how we all love to dip.

Folks, grab your fork and spoon because this is not an ordinary bowl of soup.

Until next time, mangiare bene!