Spring Veggie Soup with Artichokes, Fava Beans, and Poached Eggs

Zuppa di Fave, Piselli e Carciofi (Broad Bean, Pea, and Artichoke Soup)

This vibrant and hearty soup, Zuppa di Fave, Piselli e Carciofi, combines the earthy flavors of broad beans (fave), peas (piselli), and tender artichokes (carciofi), with the refreshing taste of escarole (scarola) and a hint of lemon. Ideal for spring or early summer, it’s a comforting and healthy first course that will warm your soul. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Artichokes:
   Start by cleaning the artichokes. First, remove the outer leaves, then trim the tops and cut off the stems. Remove the fuzzy internal choke and place the cleaned artichokes in a bowl of water acidulated with lemon juice (to prevent browning). Set aside to soak.

   Related Articles

   • 
     Crispy Almond Cornflake Cookies (Rose del Deserto)
   • 
     Oven-Baked Plaice Fillets with Lemon, Herbs, and Caramelized Onions
   • 
     Garlic Basil Tomato Pie: A Savory Delight for Every Occasion
   • 
     Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake with Creamy Robiola Filling
   “Link To Share” is your all-in-one marketing platform, making it easy and professional to direct your audience to everything you offer.

   • Modern, customizable bio pages • Link shortening with advanced analytics • Interactive, brandable QR codes • Host static sites and manage your code • Multiple web tools to grow your business

   Get started now and elevate your projects!

2. Prepare the Escarole:
   Wash the escarole thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Set it aside to drain.

3. Prepare the Spring Onions:
   Trim the spring onions by cutting off the green ends and the root tips. Slice them in half and then cut them into thin slices.

4. Sauté the Spring Onions and Garlic:
   Heat a large pot and add the extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced spring onions and sauté for 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the garlic clove (smashed or minced) and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

5. Add the Vegetables:
   Slice the artichokes into quarters and add them to the pot, stirring to combine. After 3-4 minutes, add the broad beans (fave) and fresh peas (piselli), seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.

6. Simmer the Soup:
   Pour in the vegetable broth (around 5 liters) and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

7. Prepare the Crostini:
   While the soup is simmering, cut the rustic bread into thick slices and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil and toast them under a preheated grill at 240°C (464°F) for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.

8. Poach the Eggs:
   In a small pan of boiling water, carefully crack the eggs into the water, one by one. Poach them for 2-3 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks remain soft and runny.

9. Assemble the Soup:
   Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, carefully placing a toasted crostino in the center of each bowl. Gently place a poached egg on top of the crostino, ensuring the yolk remains intact. Pour a little extra broth over the egg so that it starts to cook gently in the hot liquid.

10. Serve and Garnish:
    Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper over the top and garnish with a few more crostini. Serve the soup immediately while it’s still piping hot, ensuring that the egg yolk is soft and ready to burst into the warm broth.

Serving Suggestion

Serve this flavorful soup as a first course, ideal for a light and healthy meal. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a lightly chilled rosé to complement the earthy and fresh flavors. The combination of tender artichokes, sweet peas, and creamy broad beans makes this dish a perfect way to welcome the changing seasons. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per serving, approximate)

This Zuppa di Fave, Piselli e Carciofi is not only a delicious and satisfying soup, but it also provides a variety of nutrients, including fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein. It’s a perfect balance of freshness and richness, ideal for a light yet satisfying meal.