Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

ItalianAuthentic Cuisine

Stracciatella alla Romana

Serves 4 to 6 Soup vegetarian, Soups

Stracciatella alla Romana

Stracciatella alla Romana is a dish born from the Roman approach to cooking—unfussy and guided by instinct rather than strict measurements. This homey soup, a staple in many Roman kitchens, is often prepared without ceremony, using a generous hand with olive oil and a pinch of salt judged by feel. It's the kind of dish that comes together naturally, the way an Italian family cook would layer flavors and warmth into a meal that feels both comforting and familiar.

The taste of Stracciatella alla Romana is a delicate balance of rich chicken broth and the savory depth of Parmigiano-Reggiano, punctuated by the subtle nutmeg and freshness of parsley. The texture is both light and nourishing, with the semolina and eggs forming tender strands throughout the broth. This is a soup best enjoyed warm, allowing its simple, yet profound flavors to envelop and delight.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 Lchicken broth
  • 3eggs — beaten with Parmigiano
  • 60 gParmigiano-Reggiano — grated
  • 40 gsemolina
  • 2 tbspflat-leaf parsley — chopped
  • 1 pinchfreshly grated nutmeg
  • 2 tbspextra virgin olive oil
  • to tastefine sea salt and white pepper

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the chicken broth. Pour 1.5 L of chicken broth into a medium-sized pot and set it over medium heat. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer, which will take a few minutes. This will be the base for your Stracciatella alla Romana, providing a rich and savory foundation.
  2. While the broth is heating, crack 3 eggs into a mixing bowl. Beat them lightly with a fork until the yolks and whites are well combined. Add 60 g of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, 40 g of semolina, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to the eggs. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  3. Once the broth is simmering, slowly pour the egg mixture into the pot in a thin stream, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon. This will create the characteristic 'rags' or 'stracciatelle' as the eggs cook and set in the hot broth. Continue stirring gently to prevent the eggs from clumping together.
  4. Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll know it's ready when the egg mixture forms delicate, silky strands throughout the broth, and the soup has a slightly thickened consistency.
  5. Taste the soup and season with fine sea salt and white pepper to your liking. Remember, the Parmigiano-Reggiano will add some saltiness, so adjust accordingly. This step ensures the flavors are balanced and to your preference.
  6. Finish the soup by stirring in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the top for a rich, aromatic finish. The parsley adds a fresh, herbal note, while the olive oil enhances the overall flavor and adds a touch of luxury.
  7. Ladle the Stracciatella alla Romana into bowls and serve immediately. The soup should be hot, with the egg strands floating gracefully in the clear, flavorful broth. Enjoy this comforting Roman classic as a light meal or a starter.
Cover of Authentic Italian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Italian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Italian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Italian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.