Orecchiette-Spinach Soup

Orecchiette-Spinach Soup Recipe from Italy - Ingredients: water, orecchiette, spinach, tomato, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, egg

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Orecchiette-Spinach Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

History

Orecchiette-Spinach Soup is a traditional Italian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of pasta, spinach, and broth creates a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 cup of water
3 cans (14 oz or 397 g each) of low-salt fat-free chicken broth
1.5 cups of orecchiette or gnocchi pasta shells
1 package (10 oz or 283 g) of frozen spinach, thawed
1 cup of chopped, seeded tomato
3 tbsp of parmesan cheese
0.5 tsp of fresh ground black pepper
0.25 tsp of salt
1 egg
6 tsp of parmesan cheese

How to prepare

To peel tomatoes, cut out the stem. Place tomatoes in boiling water for approximately 1 minute. Remove tomatoes from water using a slotted spoon and immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water and ice cubes to halt the cooking process. The peel should easily slide off with the help of a paring knife.
In a large Dutch oven, bring water and broth to a boil.
Add pasta and spinach to the pot. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Stir in the tomato.
In a cup, combine 3 tbsp of cheese, pepper, salt, and egg. Stir well.
Slowly drizzle the egg mixture into the simmering soup. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle each serving with 1 tsp of Parmesan cheese.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
Use different types of pasta, such as penne or fusilli, for a unique twist on the recipe.
Stir in a handful of fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thaw the frozen spinach before adding it to the soup to ensure that it cooks evenly.

- Adding the egg mixture slowly and stirring constantly will help to create a creamy texture in the soup.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt and pepper if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Orecchiette-Spinach Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the tomatoes before peeling them helps to easily remove the skin.

- Slowly drizzling the egg mixture into the soup while stirring constantly helps to create a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh spinach instead of frozen if preferred.

- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Orecchiette-Spinach Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of Orecchiette-Spinach Soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or an extra drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Orecchiette-Spinach Soup with a glass of white wine or a light and refreshing salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Orecchiette-Spinach Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Orecchiette-Spinach Soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Orecchiette-Spinach Soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Orecchiette-Spinach Soup contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Orecchiette-Spinach Soup contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Orecchiette-Spinach Soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Orecchiette-Spinach Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Orecchiette-Spinach Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Orecchiette-Spinach Soup. It was a hot summer day, and I was browsing through an old recipe book that I had inherited from my great-grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, a loose piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. Curious, I picked it up and saw the handwritten recipe for the soup.

The ingredients were simple: orecchiette pasta, fresh spinach, garlic, onion, chicken broth, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. The instructions were straightforward, but the combination of flavors intrigued me. I had never tried a soup quite like this before.

Excited to try something new, I gathered the ingredients and got to work in the kitchen. The smell of garlic and onion sautéing filled the air as I cooked the soup. The spinach wilted down and added a vibrant green color to the broth. The orecchiette pasta soaked up the flavors of the soup, creating a comforting and delicious dish.

As I sat down to enjoy a bowl of the Orecchiette-Spinach Soup, I couldn't help but think about the origins of the recipe. I wondered who had written it down and where they had learned to make it. Had it been passed down through generations like my own recipes, or had it been discovered in a far-off land?

I decided to do some research and learn more about the history of the soup. I discovered that orecchiette pasta originated in southern Italy, specifically in the region of Puglia. The pasta is shaped like little ears, which is where it gets its name. It is traditionally made by hand, using just flour and water.

Spinach, on the other hand, has a long history of being used in cooking. It is packed with nutrients and has a mild flavor that pairs well with other ingredients. In Italian cuisine, spinach is often used in soups, pasta dishes, and salads.

I also learned that the combination of orecchiette pasta and spinach is a classic one in Italian cooking. The pasta's unique shape allows it to hold onto the broth, while the spinach adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. The addition of garlic and onion provides depth of flavor, while the red pepper flakes add a subtle heat.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I continued to make the Orecchiette-Spinach Soup whenever I was in the mood for a comforting and satisfying meal. It quickly became a favorite in my household, loved by both family and friends alike.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with many people, passing it on just as it was passed on to me. Each time I make the soup, I am reminded of that hot summer day when I stumbled upon the recipe and embarked on a culinary adventure that would become a cherished part of my cooking repertoire.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the story of how I learned to make the Orecchiette-Spinach Soup, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of cooking and sharing good food with loved ones. The recipe may have come from a chance discovery, but the joy it brings me is a testament to the power of good food to nourish both body and soul.

And so, I will continue to make the soup for years to come, adding my own touch to the recipe while honoring the tradition and history behind it. For me, the Orecchiette-Spinach Soup is more than just a dish – it is a reminder of the joys of cooking, the beauty of simple ingredients, and the magic of discovering new flavors and recipes.