Escarole and Orzo Soup
Escarole and Orzo Soup is a comforting, brothy Italian-American classic, often called 'Italian Wedding Soup' in some regions. It features tender escarole, small pasta shapes (orzo), and typically includes meatballs or ground meat in a savory chicken broth. The dish hails from Italy, particularly Southern regions, and became a staple in Italian-American households.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This soup is generally balanced, with moderate carbohydrates from the orzo and protein from the meat, while being relatively low in fat. It's a good source of fiber and vitamins from the escarole, with a typical serving containing around 200-300 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin A | 250 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Vitamin K | 80 mcg |
| Folate | 60 mcg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Calcium | 50 mg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a prime example of 'cucina povera' (peasant cooking), designed to be hearty, nutritious, and economical. Nutritionally, escarole is a bitter green rich in vitamins A and K, which pairs beautifully with the mild pasta to create a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal.
