Stracciatella Soup

Stracciatella soup is a comforting dish hailing from central-southern Italy, perfect for autumn. With its warm, savory beef broth and delicate strands of egg, this soup is not only simple to make but also packed with protein.

Enhanced by the rich flavor of Parmesan and a hint of lemon zest, it offers a delightful blend of taste and warmth that makes it an ideal choice for chilly days. Enjoy this nourishing bowl of goodness that wraps you in Italian culinary tradition!

Stracciatella Soup

Ingredients (for 1 serving)

Beef broth: 2 cups

Eggs: 2

Grated Parmesan cheese: 3 tablespoons (plus more for serving, if desired)

Grated lemon zest: 1/3 teaspoon

Nutmeg: 1/3 teaspoon

Salt and pepper: to taste (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Egg Mixture:

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and nutmeg until well combined.

Heat the Broth:

In a pot, bring the beef broth to a gentle boil.

Add the Egg Mixture:

Once the broth is boiling, slowly pour in the egg mixture while continuously stirring. This will create delicate strands in the soup.

Simmer:

Allow the soup to simmer for about 1-2 minutes until the eggs are cooked through and have formed a nice texture.

Serve:

Pour the soup into a bowl. You can sprinkle additional Parmesan on top and add salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy:

Serve warm and enjoy your comforting autumn Stracciatella soup!

Notes:

Broth Quality: The flavor of the soup largely depends on the quality of the beef broth. Homemade broth will yield the best results, but store-bought varieties can work well too. Opt for low-sodium if you prefer to control the saltiness.

Egg Mixing: Whisk the egg mixture thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the ingredients. This helps create fine strands in the soup.

Nutmeg: Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best flavor, but a pinch of pre-ground nutmeg will suffice if that’s what you have.

Parmesan Variations: Feel free to experiment with different hard cheeses, like Pecorino Romano, for a slightly different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage: The soup is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a day. The eggs may thicken the soup upon standing, so you may need to add a bit of broth when reheating.

Add-ins: For extra nutrition, consider adding sautéed spinach or other leafy greens right before serving. They’ll wilt nicely in the hot broth.

Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a bit more Parmesan or reduce the broth slightly during cooking.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth for beef broth.

While the flavor will differ slightly, it will still be delicious.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

The soup may thicken, so you might need to add a bit of broth when reheating.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! To make a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan or substitute with a vegetarian cheese alternative.

What can I add to enhance the flavor?

You can add sautéed garlic, onions, or vegetables like spinach or kale for extra flavor and nutrition.

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also be a nice touch.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

While the soup is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the broth and egg mixture in advance.

Just combine them shortly before serving to maintain the best texture.

Do I need to whisk the eggs vigorously?

Yes, whisk the eggs thoroughly to ensure they blend well with the cheese and spices.

This helps create fine strands in the soup.

What if I don’t have lemon zest?

If you don’t have lemon zest, you can omit it or use a small amount of lemon juice for a hint of acidity.

Just be cautious with the quantity to avoid overpowering the soup.

How can I prevent the eggs from clumping?

To prevent clumping, pour the egg mixture into the boiling broth slowly while continuously stirring.

This helps the eggs cook evenly and creates a nice texture.

Can I freeze this soup?

It’s not recommended to freeze this soup because the texture of the eggs may change upon thawing.

It’s best enjoyed fresh.

What should I do if the soup is too salty?

If the soup turns out too salty, you can dilute it by adding more broth or water.

Adding a small amount of diced potatoes can also help absorb some of the saltiness.