Roast Pork and Escarole Soup with Pasta

A Simple Weeknight Meal: Roast Pork and Escarole Soup

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and nutritious meal can feel like a Herculean task. But believe me, it doesn't have to be! This Roast Pork and Escarole Soup is my go-to recipe when I need something hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect blend of comforting Italian flavors that the whole family will love.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don't need a mountain of exotic ingredients or hours of meticulous preparation. With just a few pantry staples and readily available ingredients, you can whip up a steaming bowl of deliciousness that will leave everyone feeling satisfied. I often roast a whole pork loin on the weekend, shredding the leftovers for this soup during the week. It’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste and save time. The escarole adds a lovely bitterness that balances the richness of the pork and the parmesan, creating a truly delightful flavor profile.

Why I Love This Recipe:

• Speed and Simplicity: It’s a quick and easy recipe, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of roast pork, escarole, and parmesan creates a satisfying and delicious meal.
• Versatile: Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta or add other vegetables to customize the soup to your liking. You can also swap the escarole for spinach or kale if you prefer.
• Economical: It uses relatively inexpensive ingredients making it a budget-friendly choice.
• Leftover Magic: Roast pork leftovers transform this soup into an even quicker weeknight wonder.

Tips and Variations:

• Pork Choice: I recommend using leftover roasted pork, but you can easily substitute with other cooked pork, such as pulled pork or even pre-cooked sausages.
• Pasta Selection: Small pasta shapes, like ditalini or small shells, work best in this soup. However, feel free to experiment with other small pasta shapes based on preference.
• Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or zucchini to enhance the nutritional value and flavor complexity of the soup.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick to the soup for those who enjoy a little heat.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added at the end for an extra burst of freshness and flavor.
• Broth Selection: While chicken broth is commonly used, vegetable broth provides a vegetarian alternative for a flavorful and equally satisfying meal.

This Roast Pork and Escarole Soup is more than just a meal; it's a taste of comfort and ease. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, we can still savor delicious and nourishing food without sacrificing precious time. So, next time you're looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, reach for this recipe. You won't be disappointed!

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
• Pair it with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
• Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for an elegant touch.

Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Heat olive oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
• Add garlic and stir until beginning to color, about 2 minutes.
• Add broth and oregano.
• Increase heat to high and bring mixture to boil.
• Add pasta and cook 4 minutes.
• Add escarole and cook until pasta is tender, about 5 minutes longer.
• Add pork and 3 tablespoons Parmesan and simmer mixture 1 minute.
• Ladle soup into deep bowls.
• Sprinkle with remaining 5 tablespoons Parmesan and serve.