This wholesome spinach stracciatella soup with orzo recipe is a hearty Italian classic, perfect for a comforting lunch or a light dinner. With ingredients ranging from baby spinach to orzo and savoury parmesan, every bowl is a delightful blend of textures and flavours guaranteed to please your palate.
Orzo, a type of short-cut pasta, shaped like a large grain of rice, may not be a staple in your pantry if you aren't used to making Italian dishes. When shopping, look for it in the pasta aisle, it's often sold in small boxes or bags. Another key ingredient is the stracciatella, a mix of eggs, cheese, and parsley. If you're unfamiliar with it, stracciatella is a traditional element in Italian soups that gives them a delightful richness.
Ingredients for Spinach Stracciatella Soup with Orzo
Chicken broth: A flavorful base for soups, it can be store-bought or homemade.
Eggs: Used in the stracciatella, they give the soup body and richness.
Parmesan: Adds a sharp, salty flavor. Freshly grated is best.
Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal note.
Baby spinach: Adds a mild, slightly bitter flavor and plenty of nutrition.
Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that adds a delightful texture.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and enhances other flavors.
One reader, Faythe Criswell says:
This spinach stracciatella soup with orzo recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and comforting, and the orzo adds a delightful texture. It's a perfect blend of healthy and delicious. I highly recommend trying it - it's a new favorite in my household!
Cooking Techniques for Spinach Stracciatella Soup With Orzo
How to prepare the egg mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the remaining cup of cold chicken broth with eggs, cheese, and parsley. Whisk well until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
How to wilt the spinach: After adding the orzo and cooking it according to package directions, add the baby spinach to the pot. Mix the spinach into the soup until it wilts, which should only take a minute or two.
How to season the soup: After removing the soup from the heat, taste it and add salt if needed. Then, season with black pepper to taste.
How to serve the soup: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with additional grated cheese for a delicious finishing touch.
How To Make Spinach Stracciatella Soup with Orzo
Savor a warm bowl of this stracciatella soup ready in 30 minutes. It’s an Italian dish made cooked with chicken broth, eggs, spinach, and orzo.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 7cupsless sodium chicken broth
- 2large eggs
- ½cupParmesan,freshly grated
- ¼cupparsley,chopped flat-leaf
- 6ozbaby spinach
- 4ozorzo,uncooked
- black pepper,freshly ground
Instructions
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Bring 6 cups chicken broth to a boil.
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In a medium bowl, combine the remaining cup of cold chicken broth with eggs, cheese, and parsley. Whisk well.
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Whisk into the boiling pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
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Bring back to a boil and add the orzo and cook according to package directions.
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When pasta is done, add the baby spinach and mix until it welts.
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Remove from heat, add salt (if needed) and pepper to taste.
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Ladle into bowls and top with additional grated cheese.
Nutrition
- Calories: 253.45kcal
- Fat: 8.60g
- Saturated Fat: 3.54g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.22g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.15g
- Carbohydrates: 26.39g
- Fiber: 1.58g
- Sugar: 5.24g
- Protein: 17.04g
- Cholesterol: 78.83mg
- Sodium: 619.73mg
- Calcium: 204.71mg
- Potassium: 556.89mg
- Iron: 2.25mg
- Vitamin A: 198.89µg
- Vitamin C: 11.85mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting This Spinach Soup Recipe
When whisking the eggs, cheese, and parsley into the cold chicken broth, make sure to do it gradually to prevent the eggs from scrambling. This will ensure a smooth consistency in your spinach stracciatella soup. Also, remember to add the orzo when the broth is boiling to ensure it cooks evenly. Lastly, adding the baby spinach at the end of the cooking process helps to retain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soup Recipe
Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and utensils before you start cooking to streamline the process and avoid any last-minute scrambling.
Multitask: Look for opportunities to combine tasks, such as chopping vegetables while waiting for water to boil, to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors, blenders, and slow cookers to help with chopping, blending, and cooking, saving you valuable time and effort.
Prep in batches: Consider prepping and cooking ingredients in larger quantities, then storing the extras for future use to cut down on overall cooking time.
Substitute Ingredients For Spinach Stracciatella Soup with Orzo Recipe
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar depth of flavor and richness to the soup, while also catering to vegetarian diets.
eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can mimic the creamy texture of eggs and is a suitable substitute for those with egg allergies or following a vegan diet.
parmesan - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy, umami flavor similar to parmesan and is a great dairy-free alternative for a vegan-friendly option.
baby spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach, providing a similar earthy flavor and hearty texture to the soup.
orzo - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a gluten-free alternative to orzo, adding a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture to the soup.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a milder alternative to black pepper, providing a subtle heat and flavor to the soup.
Presentation Tips for Spinach Stracciatella Soup With Orzo
Elevate the plating: When presenting the spinach stracciatella soup with orzo, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant green color of the soup and the golden hue of the orzo.
Garnish with precision: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the soup with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a sophisticated visual element to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Consider serving the soup with a side of artisanal bread or crackers to provide a delightful textural contrast to the smoothness of the soup.
Highlight the freshness of ingredients: Emphasize the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients by incorporating a small bundle of fresh parsley as a garnish. This not only adds a pop of color but also signals the use of premium, flavorful components.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Opt for fine porcelain bowls or soup tureens to elevate the presentation. The use of sophisticated serving ware adds a touch of refinement to the overall dining experience.
Consider the placement of additional grated cheese: When topping the soup with additional grated Parmesan cheese, ensure that it is delicately sprinkled on top, creating a visually appealing presentation without overwhelming the dish.
Emphasize the orzo: Showcase the orzo by ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the soup, creating a balanced and visually appealing composition. The orzo should be a prominent feature, adding depth and substance to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Soup
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, mixing, or pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, particularly in baking and cooking.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients.
- Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl for serving soups and stews.
- Pot: A cooking vessel used for boiling, stewing, or steaming ingredients.
- Grater: A tool used for grating cheese, vegetables, or other foods into fine pieces.
- Measuring cup: A cup used to measure liquid or dry ingredients accurately.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and chopping ingredients.
- Cutting board: A sturdy board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Stove: A cooking appliance used for heating and cooking food.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Spinach Stracciatella Soup
Let the spinach stracciatella soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the orzo from becoming mushy and overcooked.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to reheat, place the desired portion in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin out the soup if it has thickened during storage.
To freeze the soup, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date and contents.
Frozen spinach stracciatella soup will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat the thawed soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup appears too thick, add a little chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Keep in mind that the texture of the orzo may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavor of the soup will still be delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Spinach Stracciatella Soup
- Reheat the spinach stracciatella soup with orzo in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures even heating and prevents the orzo from becoming mushy.
- If the soup has thickened during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out while reheating. This will help maintain the soup's original consistency.
- For a quicker reheating option, transfer individual portions of the soup into microwave-safe bowls and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Adjust the time based on your microwave's power and the amount of soup being reheated.
- To add a fresh twist to leftover soup, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of baby spinach leaves just before serving. The residual heat from the soup will gently wilt the spinach, adding a pop of color and texture.
- If you find the orzo has absorbed too much liquid during storage, resulting in a thicker consistency, consider cooking a small amount of additional orzo separately and adding it to the reheated soup. This will help restore the soup's original texture without overcooking the existing orzo.
- For a creamier reheated soup, whisk in a tablespoon of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving. This will add a luxurious richness to the broth and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- If you have any leftover cooked chicken or vegetables, consider dicing them up and adding them to the reheated soup for a heartier meal. This is a great way to use up leftovers and create a satisfying, well-rounded dish.
Interesting Trivia About Spinach Stracciatella Soup
Stracciatella soup is a traditional Italian egg drop soup that is typically made with a clear chicken-based broth, eggs, and cheese. It is a simple and comforting dish that is often served as a starter or light meal.
Budget-Friendly Spinach Stracciatella Soup With Orzo
This spinach stracciatella soup with orzo recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of eggs, spinach, and orzo provides a good balance of nutrition and cost efficiency. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15. As a culinary chef, I would rate this recipe an 8/10 for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is This Spinach Soup Recipe Healthy?
This spinach stracciatella soup with orzo recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish. Here's why:
- It's packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like spinach, which is high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.
- The chicken broth provides a good source of protein and helps keep the soup low in calories.
- Eggs add additional protein and nutrients like choline, which is essential for brain health.
- Parmesan cheese contributes to the calcium content and provides a savory flavor.
- Orzo is a type of pasta that adds carbohydrates for energy and helps make the soup more filling.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use whole wheat orzo instead of regular orzo to increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates.
- Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese to lower the saturated fat and sodium content. You can also opt for a low-sodium chicken broth to further reduce the sodium levels.
- Include additional vegetables like carrots, celery, or onions to boost the nutrient profile and add more flavor and texture to the soup.
- Consider using a combination of whole eggs and egg whites to maintain the protein content while reducing the cholesterol.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten up the flavors and provide a dose of vitamin C.
Editor's Take on Spinach Stracciatella Soup With Orzo
This spinach stracciatella soup with orzo recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of eggs, cheese, and parsley in the stracciatella adds a rich and creamy element to the soup, while the orzo and baby spinach provide heartiness and freshness. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine through, and the addition of black pepper adds a subtle warmth. Overall, this recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends.
Enhance Your Spinach Stracciatella Soup with Orzo Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Spinach Stracciatella Soup with Orzo Recipe:
This recipe is a testament to the art of Italian cuisine, showcasing the harmonious blend of spinach and orzo in a comforting broth. The use of less sodium chicken broth ensures a healthier option without compromising on flavor. The addition of parmesan and parsley infuses the soup with a rich, savory depth, while the incorporation of baby spinach adds a vibrant pop of color and a dose of essential nutrients. With its simple yet elegant preparation, this dish promises to delight the palate and nourish the body, making it a trustworthy addition to any culinary repertoire.
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