Stracciatella soup, a classic of Italian comfort food, offers a heartwarming hug in a bowl. Its simple elegance belies a depth of flavor that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to achieve. This creamy, egg-enriched broth, flecked with delicate shreds of egg white, offers a delightful textural contrast that elevates it beyond a simple chicken soup. The subtle herbal notes and the rich, savory broth create a symphony of taste that's perfect for a chilly evening or a day when you need a little extra TLC. Its versatility allows for easy customization, incorporating your favorite vegetables or herbs to personalize the experience.
This comforting and versatile soup is surprisingly quick to make, and the results are unbelievably delicious. Ready to experience the magic of Stracciatella soup for yourself? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step process outlined below.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Whisk
- Spoon
- Ladle
Ingredients
- Chicken broth
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Large whole eggs: 3
- Freshly chopped Italian parsley
- Semolina flour: 2 tablespoons (optional)
- Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- Pecorino Romano cheese
- Cayenne pepper: a pinch
- Freshly grated nutmeg: a pinch
- Olive oil: optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Broth and Egg Mixture
- Bring chicken broth to a simmer over high heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, parsley, semolina flour (optional), parmigiano-reggiano, pecorino romano, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and nutmeg.
Step 2. Temper the Eggs into the Broth
- Slowly pour the egg mixture into the simmering broth while stirring continuously with a spoon. The mixture will form thin ribbons.
Step 3. Simmer and Season the Soup
- Continue stirring until the soup comes back to a simmer and the mixture is cooked through. It will initially look cloudy, but will clear up.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with parsley, chili flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil (optional).
Read more: Italian Zucchini Soup with Parmesan Croutons: A Delicious Recipe
Tips
- Use any kind of meat or vegetable stock instead of chicken broth.
- Feel free to adapt this recipe by adding spinach, swiss chard, or additional meat (chicken or sausage).
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 200-250
- Fat: 8-12g
- Carbs: 10-15g
- Protein: 15-20g
FAQs
1. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth will create a delicious vegetarian version of Stracciatella soup.
2. What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan adds a lovely flavor, you can omit it or substitute with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even a good quality nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
3. How can I make this soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can simmer it a bit longer to reduce the broth slightly, or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water at the end of cooking.
So there you have it – a simple yet deeply satisfying bowl of Stracciatella soup, perfect for chasing away the blues. This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and pantry staples, making it a go-to comfort food any time. Now go forth and enjoy this heartwarming, delicious hug in a bowl!