Stracciatella Soup A Traditional Italian Comfort Soup

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

The Stracciatella soup recipe is a classic Italian dish, known for its simplicity and rich flavors. Often called “Italian egg drop soup,” this comforting dish is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

This Stracciatella soup recipe is impressive. You can use it for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner. Enjoy your Stracciatella soup with hearty dishes like Chicken Parmigiana for a full Italian-inspired meal. You can also try some Cottage Cheese Recipes for a healthy side.

Essential Ingredients for Stracciatella Soup Recipe

This Stracciatella soup recipe is all about using simple, fresh ingredients. You’ll need chicken broth, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and basic seasonings to bring this traditional Italian dish to life. The combination of eggs and broth creates a beautiful, light, filling, and flavorful texture.

Ingredients:

4 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
3 large eggs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon semolina flour (optional, for added thickness)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 pinch nutmeg (optional, for a hint of warmth)
Fresh spinach or baby kale (optional, for added nutrition)

These simple ingredients combine to make a light and tasty soup. It works well as a starter or a main dish, especially with bread or a fresh salad.

How to Make Stracciatella Soup

Making Stracciatella soup is quick and easy. It is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something warm and comforting.

Instructions:

Heat the Broth: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Make the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk the eggs, Parmesan cheese, semolina flour (if you use it), parsley, salt, and pepper. You want the mixture to be smooth and well-combined.
Slowly Add the Eggs: Once the broth is simmering, reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle the egg mixture into the broth, stirring gently in a circular motion. This will create the signature egg ribbons.
Simmer the soup for 1-2 minutes until the eggs fully cook. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Add fresh spinach or baby kale for extra greens.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread or alongside a heartier dish like Chicken Parmigiana.

For a full Italian-inspired meal, this soup pairs well with something heartier like a pasta dish. You can also serve it with a light dessert such as a chocolate cake to balance the savory with something sweet.

Variations of Stracciatella Soup

The simplicity of Stracciatella soup allows for easy customization to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Vegetarian Stracciatella Soup

Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth to make a vegetarian version. Add more fresh vegetables, such as spinach, kale, or zucchini, for a heartier soup.

2. Stracciatella Soup with Pasta

For a more filling soup, add small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or pastina. Cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup just before serving to keep it al dente.

3. Stracciatella Soup with Meatballs

For added protein, you can add mini meatballs to the soup. Simply prepare small meatballs with ground beef or turkey, cook them in the broth, and then proceed with the rest of the recipe.

For more hearty and creative recipe ideas, try dishes like Squash Casserole. It pairs well with the simple Stracciatella Soup.

Tips for the Perfect Stracciatella Soup

While Stracciatella soup is a straightforward dish, there are a few key tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time:

Use Quality Broth: The broth is the base of the soup. Using high-quality chicken broth, or homemade if you can, will make the soup more flavorful.
Whisk Eggs Thoroughly: Ensure that the eggs and Parmesan cheese are well whisked to create a smooth mixture. This helps form the delicate ribbons in the broth.
Add Greens for Nutrition: Adding fresh spinach, baby kale, or arugula boosts the soup’s nutrition. It does this without changing the flavor or texture.
Serve Immediately: This soup is best served right away, as the egg ribbons are most tender when fresh.

Why Stracciatella Soup is a Classic Italian Comfort Food

Stracciatella soup has been a favorite in Italian homes for centuries. People often enjoy it as a light meal or a starter before a substantial feast. Its healthy ingredients and easy preparation make it a great comfort food. This is especially true in colder months or when you want something warm but light.

For classic Italian comfort food, try this recipe for Ultimate Chicken Enchiladas. It has bold flavors and a hearty meal, much like Stracciatella Soup.

FAQs About Stracciatella Soup

1. Can I make Stracciatella soup in advance?

While Stracciatella soup is best served fresh to preserve the texture of the egg ribbons, you can make the broth in advance. Store the broth in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the broth and whisk in the eggs for fresh, tender ribbons.

2. What can I serve with Stracciatella soup?

This light soup pairs perfectly with crusty Italian bread, garlic bread, or a fresh side salad. For a heartier meal, you can serve it alongside Chicken Parmigiana or a pasta dish. Desserts like a Chocolate Brownie Cake can also provide a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.

3. Can I add other ingredients to the soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or carrots for additional texture and nutrition. Some variations even include small pasta shapes like orzo or pastina to make the soup more filling. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor.

4. Is Stracciatella soup gluten-free?

The traditional recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it consists primarily of broth, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. To add semolina flour or pasta, use gluten-free options. This will keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

5. What cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?

While Parmesan cheese is traditional in Stracciatella soup, you can also use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. These cheeses offer similar salty, nutty flavors, though Pecorino Romano has a stronger taste. You can experiment with different cheeses to suit your preferences.

6. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is a great alternative for those following a vegetarian diet. It creates a lighter soup but still provides a delicious base for the egg ribbons. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a few more herbs or spices, such as fresh parsley or basil.

7. What is the best way to reheat Stracciatella soup?

Reheating Stracciatella soup requires care to avoid overcooking the egg ribbons. Warm the soup gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, add a little extra broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.

8. Can I freeze Stracciatella soup?

It’s best not to freeze Stracciatella soup after adding the eggs. Freezing can change the texture of the egg ribbons. However, you can freeze the broth separately and then whisk in fresh eggs when reheating.

9. What are some popular variations of Stracciatella soup?

One popular variation includes adding mini meatballs to make the soup heartier. You can add spinach or baby kale for more greens. You can also include a little pasta, like orzo or ditalini, to make the soup heartier. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

10. How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling in Stracciatella soup?

To prevent the eggs from scrambling, ensure that the broth is not boiling when you add the egg mixture. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, and slowly drizzle the eggs into the broth while stirring in one direction. This will create the delicate ribbons rather than scrambled pieces.

11. Can I add meat to Stracciatella soup?

Yes! Although the traditional recipe is meat-free, you can add small, cooked meatballs or shredded chicken for added protein. These additions make the soup heartier and more suitable as a main course.

12. What kind of pasta works best in Stracciatella soup?

To add pasta, opt for small pasta shapes such as orzo, ditalini, or pastina. These tiny pasta shapes blend well with the egg ribbons and don’t overpower the soup.

13. Can I make Stracciatella soup without eggs?

Since eggs are the primary ingredient that defines Stracciatella soup, it’s difficult to create a version without them. However, you can explore egg substitutes like tofu for a plant-based variation. You can blend silken tofu into the broth to achieve a similar creamy texture.

14. How long does Stracciatella soup last in the fridge?

You can store stracciatella soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The egg ribbons may soften slightly as the soup sits, so it’s best to enjoy the soup fresh for the best texture.

15. Can I use different herbs in Stracciatella soup?

Yes, you can experiment with different herbs to suit your taste. Fresh parsley, basil, thyme, and rosemary all work well in this soup. Each herb brings its own unique flavor, allowing you to personalize the dish.

For more ideas on herbs and flavors, try dishes like Squash Casserole or Cottage Cheese Recipes. These dishes show different ways to boost flavor.