Stracciatella alla Romana
Clear broth ribboned with egg and parmesan. · Italy
Clear broth ribboned with egg and parmesan.
About Stracciatella alla Romana
Beaten egg and parmesan are stirred into simmering broth, where they set into fine, rag-like ribbons. Quick and soothing, it is a Roman home-cooking classic.
🏛️ History & Culture
Stracciatella alla Romana is a cornerstone of Roman home cooking, rooted in the city's cucina povera tradition of transforming humble ingredients into satisfying meals. Its precise origins are not documented in detail—it likely emerged from home cooks combining beaten eggs, grated parmesan, and hot broth, a technique that has been part of Roman culinary practice for centuries without a single attributed creator or date.
While the egg-drop soup is firmly associated with Rome and the Lazio region, the name "stracciatella" also appears in Italian cuisine for a Pugliese gelato featuring chocolate shards—an unrelated dish that nonetheless shares the same term for "shredded" or "torn." Culturally, the soup represents Roman comfort food at its simplest: quick to prepare, nourishing, and often served as a primo (first course) in family meals, reflecting a tradition of resourcefulness that defines much of Roman gastronomy.
🍳 How to make Stracciatella alla Romana
AI-assisted, not kitchen-testedStracciatella alla Romana
A Roman classic soup where beaten eggs and Parmesan form delicate ribbons in hot broth. Quick, soothing, and perfect for a light meal.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
Recipe ingredients
- 1 liter (4 cups) chicken broth, preferably homemade, but low-sodium store-bought works fine
- 3 whole large eggs
- 50 g (1¾ oz) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, for serving
- 1 pinch salt, to taste, depending on broth salinity
- 1 pinch black pepper, freshly ground
Steps
- 1 In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not let it boil vigorously.
- 2 While the broth heats, whisk the eggs in a bowl until frothy. Add the grated Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and whisk until well combined.
- 3 When the broth is simmering, gradually pour the egg mixture into the pot in a thin stream, stirring gently with a fork or whisk in a slow circular motion. This will create the characteristic 'rags' or ribbons.
- 4 Let the soup cook for 1–2 minutes without stirring until the eggs are just set and cooked through. The ribbons should be firm but soft; the broth should be clear.
- 5 Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
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Stracciatella alla Romana — frequently asked questions
What is Stracciatella alla Romana?
Beaten egg and parmesan are stirred into simmering broth, where they set into fine, rag-like ribbons. Quick and soothing, it is a Roman home-cooking classic.
What is Stracciatella alla Romana made of?
Stracciatella alla Romana is made with chicken broth, egg, parmesan, nutmeg and parsley.
Where does Stracciatella alla Romana come from?
Stracciatella alla Romana comes from Italy, and is especially associated with Rome, Lazio. Stracciatella alla Romana is a cornerstone of Roman home cooking, rooted in the city's cucina povera tradition of transforming humble ingredients into satisfying meals.
Where can I eat Stracciatella alla Romana?
A Roman home, as a light and comforting first course.
How do you make Stracciatella alla Romana?
Making Stracciatella alla Romana at home takes about 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking. The recipe on this page serves 4 and is rated easy. Full ingredient list and step-by-step method are in the recipe section above.
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