Stracciatella
Roman egg-drop soup with parmesan in clear broth.
Ingredients
- 4 Egg
- 60 g Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 1200 ml Chicken stock
- ¼ tsp Nutmeg
- ½ tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Parsley (optional)
Method
- Beat the eggs in a bowl with the parmigiano, parsley, and nutmeg.
- Bring the stock to a gentle simmer in a pot and season with salt.
- Stir the simmering broth into a swirl and pour in the egg mixture in a thin stream so it sets into ribbons.
- Ladle into bowls and serve.
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About Stracciatella
Stracciatella is the Roman answer to egg-drop soup, a quick clear broth named for the little rags of set egg that form in it. Beaten eggs are enriched with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, parsley, and a whisper of nutmeg, then streamed into gently simmering broth where they cook instantly into soft, feathery ribbons. The name itself comes from stracciare, to shred or tear, describing exactly what those wispy strands look like suspended in the golden stock.
Despite how little goes into it, the soup tastes far richer than it looks: the broth stays clean and light while the egg and cheese give it body, savory depth, and a faint warmth from the nutmeg. It is traditionally served as a starter, and in Rome it is a comforting, restorative bowl often associated with using up good stock and a heel of parmesan. High in protein and quick to make, this version keeps to the essentials, relying on a proper gentle simmer and a slow, swirling pour so the egg sets into ribbons rather than clumping.
Stracciatella: frequently asked questions
How many calories are in Stracciatella?
A serving has about 243 calories — 19.5g protein, 12.1g carbs, 12.3g fat, 0.3g fiber. Figures are estimated from the ingredient amounts and will shift with your portions and brands.
Is Stracciatella gluten-free?
Based on its ingredients, Stracciatella has no gluten-containing components, so it's naturally gluten-free — as always, check that any packaged ingredients you use are certified gluten-free to be safe.
Is Stracciatella dairy-free?
Not as written — it uses Parmigiano-Reggiano. Swapping it for a plant-based alternative makes it dairy-free.
Do I need every ingredient to make Stracciatella?
The core ingredients are essential, but you can leave out parsley — it's optional and mainly there for extra flavor or finish.
How many servings does Stracciatella make?
This recipe makes 4 servings. In the app you can scale it up or down and the ingredient amounts adjust automatically.