Minestra Recipe

Combine escarole and 1/4 cup water in large Dutch oven; tightly pack leaves and cover. Cook over medium heat until volume is reduced by half. Drain in colander, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid in cup.

Partially freeze sausage and slice before browning. Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add sausage and cook, turning frequently, 4 minutes or until browned. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in beans and tomatoes with juice, breaking up the tomatoes. Bring to boil. Cook 3 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in escarole with reserved cooking liquid, potatoes and red pepper. Cover and cook 20 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Stir cheese into minestra; remove from heat and let stand until cheese is partially melted, about 5 minutes. Ladle into 6 large bowls.