Source: tuttodiabete.it

Presentation

A nutritious recipe, consisting of a first course prepared with garlic, oregano, extra virgin olive oil, chilli, bay leaf, salt, beans, escarole, bread

Ingredients

(serves 4)

• 2 cloves of garlic
• Dried oregano, to taste
• Fresh chili pepper, to taste
• 2 bay leaves
• 30 g extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp)
• Fine salt, to taste
• 300 g dried cannellini beans (about 10.5 oz, or 720 g / 25 oz cooked)
• 1 head of escarole
• 100 g stale whole wheat country bread (about 3.5 oz / ~3–4 slices)

Method

Soak the cannellini.

Pour them into a container covering them with water and leave them like this for 12 hours.

Rinse the beans under running water,

Pour them into a pot with plenty of water.

Add bay leaves and bring them to a boil.

Cook over low heat for 2 and a half hours, removing the foam that forms on the surface with the help of a ladle.

When cooked, drain the beans and set aside the cooking water.

Chop the chilli pepper and peel two cloves of garlic.

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil with the two peeled garlic cloves

Pour in the coti beans and flavor with chilli, oregano, salt and blanch for 5 minutes over medium heat.

Wash and cut the escarole into strips and add it to the beans.

Pour in the cooking water of the beans or alternatively use vegetable broth (about 300 g).

Cover with the lid and cook over low heat for 20 minutes.

Cut a loaf into slices

Line a baking sheet with baking paper and distribute the slices of bread, seasoned with oil, salt and pepper to taste

Toast the croutons for 5 minutes at about 180° or until they are golden brown.

Once the bean and escarole soup is cooked, serve it still very hot accompanied by the slices of toasted bread.

Allergens

Garlic: very rare cases of garlic reactivity reported

Laurel: possible individual allergy

Beans: possible cross-reaction in case of allergy to parietaria

Extra virgin olive oil: unusual allergy; intolerance not described

Oregano: reactivity in case of sensitivity to Lamiaceae (or Labiatae): thyme, sage, mint, rosemary, nepeta

Bread: cereals containing gluten included in EU Regulation 1169/2011

Chili pepper: possible cross-reactivity in case of intolerance to spices

Escarole: possible cases of allergy

Notes

To be prepared and handled under strict hygienic conditions.

The ingredients of the dish bring the following benefits:

Garlic: has immune-stimulating properties, promotes liver function and the elimination of waste metabolites. It also has hypocholesterolemic, lipid-lowering, antiplatelet, hypotensive and hypoglycemic properties that promote cardiac function.

Laurel: leaves and berries have diuretic properties, the leaves are rich in vitamin C favorable to the proper functioning of the immune system, minerals favorable to the production of red blood cells and the functioning of the cardiovascular system

Beans: A source of zinc and factors favourable to the proper functioning of the immune system and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants, it acts to protect the cardiovascular system. Also suitable for nephropathics. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants, Especially if consumed with the peel they provide folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Extra virgin olive oil: source of Vitamin E that protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids

Oregano: provides antioxidants and vitamin E that are conducive to the proper functioning of the immune system

Bread: cereals stimulate the synthesis of serotonin which counteracts depression and promotes good mood

Chili pepper: rich in vitamin C, the antioxidant par excellence that fights free radicals and supports the immune system, reduces blood cholesterol indexes and hinders its formation on the arteries. It contains vitamins A, D and E and is very effective in activating the venous and capillary circulation. It provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Salt: essential for the balance of body fluids and for the transmission of nerve impulses, it is however to be consumed respecting the limit of 5 g per day according to the indications of the WHO so as not to promote arterial hypertension and consequent increase in the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases starting from myocardial infarction and cerebral stroke; to be limited as much as possible in the case of nephropathy.

Escarole: salad source of carotenoids, chlorophyll and Vitamin E that protect the immune system from harmful fatty acids and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients.

Safety / Intended use

Product also intended for subjects with:

• Anorexia -Weight Loss
• Constipation

Avoid administration in case of:

• Constipation with meteorism
• Diarrhea
• Dysphagia (Problems chewing – swallowing)
• Mucositis – Inflammation and injury of the oral cavity
• Nausea and vomiting