Stracciatella I

Stracciatella I Recipe - Italian Chicken and Beef Broth Soup with Parmesan Cheese and Lemon Peel

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stracciatella soup is a traditional Italian dish that is both comforting and delicious. This soup is made with a flavorful broth and delicate egg rags that add a unique texture to the dish.

History

Stracciatella soup has its origins in Italy, where it is a popular dish served in many households. The name "stracciatella" comes from the Italian word "stracciare," which means to tear or shred. This refers to the rag-like texture of the egg mixture in the soup.

Ingredients

Soup

4 cups of chicken stock
4 cups of beef broth
salt and pepper

Rags

3 beaten eggs
4 tbsp of flour (or semolina)
4 tbsp of grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp of finely grated lemon peel
a pinch of salt

Garnish

chopped italian parsley
grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

In a large pot, mix the stocks for the soup.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, flour, and 4 tbsp of cheese.
Add the lemon peel, salt, and 0.25 cup of the mixed soup stock to the egg mixture.
Remove the pot from heat and carefully pour the rag batter into the soup in a thin stream, ensuring it covers the surface of the soup.
Return the pot to heat and stir the soup with a wooden spoon.
Allow the soup to simmer for about 2 minutes, until the batter cooks and turns into rags.
Serve the soup very hot, garnished with parsley and cheese.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or vegetables to the soup for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken and beef broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to beat the eggs well before adding them to the soup to ensure a smooth texture.

- Pour the rag batter into the soup in a thin stream to create delicate rags.

- Stir the soup gently to avoid breaking up the rags.

- Serve the soup hot to enjoy it at its best.

Serving Suggestions

Serve stracciatella soup as a starter or as a light meal with a side of crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making stracciatella soup is to pour the rag batter into the hot soup in a thin stream and stir gently to create delicate rags.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use cornstarch or flour instead of semolina in the rag mixture.

- Use any type of grated cheese in place of parmesan cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup ahead of time and reheat it before serving. The rags may lose their texture if the soup is reheated too many times.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with chopped parsley and extra grated cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve stracciatella soup with a side salad or a light pasta dish for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of stracciatella soup contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of stracciatella soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of stracciatella soup contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of stracciatella soup contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Stracciatella soup is a good source of vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and dairy (cheese), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Stracciatella soup is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a meal.

Summary

Stracciatella soup is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With its delicate egg rags and flavorful broth, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it as a comforting meal on a cold day or as a light starter for a special dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her quaint little village in Italy. Maria was known for her delicious cooking, and she had promised to teach me how to make one of her favorite dishes, Stracciatella.

I remember walking into Maria's cozy kitchen, filled with the delicious aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs. She greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, before ushering me over to her large wooden table where she had all the ingredients laid out.

"Today, I will teach you how to make Stracciatella," Maria said with a twinkle in her eye. "It's a traditional Italian soup that is simple yet delicious."

As Maria began to explain the recipe to me, I could see the passion and love she had for cooking shining through. She told me that she had learned this recipe from her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother, and so on. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations, with each cook adding their own touch to it.

I watched as Maria expertly cracked eggs into a bowl, whisking them until they were frothy. She then added grated Parmesan cheese, freshly chopped parsley, and a pinch of nutmeg. In another pot, she heated up a rich chicken broth, seasoned with salt and pepper.

Once the broth was simmering, Maria poured in the egg mixture in a slow, steady stream, stirring gently with a fork. The eggs cooked instantly, forming delicate strands that floated in the golden broth. Maria then ladled the soup into bowls, garnishing each with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.

As I took my first spoonful of Stracciatella, I was transported to a world of flavors and memories. The soup was light yet rich, with the creamy eggs contrasting beautifully with the savory broth. It was a dish that warmed the soul and filled the belly, a true comfort food that tasted like home.

After our meal, Maria handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe, telling me to cherish it and pass it on to my own loved ones. I thanked her profusely, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn such a special dish from a dear friend.

As I returned home, I couldn't wait to recreate Maria's Stracciatella in my own kitchen. I followed the recipe to the letter, savoring every step and ingredient that went into making this delicious soup. And as I sat down to enjoy a bowl of my own homemade Stracciatella, I felt a connection to my friend Maria and her family, as well as to all the generations of cooks who had lovingly prepared this dish before me.

To this day, whenever I make Stracciatella for my own family, I think of Maria and the magical day we spent together in her kitchen. I am grateful for the memories and the recipe that she shared with me, knowing that it will continue to bring joy and comfort to those I love for years to come. And as I watch my grandchildren slurping up their bowls of Stracciatella with smiles on their faces, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.