Stracciatella
The dish is believed to have originated in Rome during the Middle Ages. It was created as a way to utilize small amounts of leftover cheese and eggs, making it both cost-effective and resourceful. Stracciatella has since gained popularity and is now found in many Italian households.
The main component of stracciatella, the stracciatella cheese, is made from locally sourced sheep’s milk. This cheese gives the broth its signature smooth and creamy texture. Scrambled eggs are added to the mix for a protein boost; adding a slight crunch and fleeting delicacy to each bite. The final touch is a sprinkle of vibrant herbs such as oregano, thyme, and parsley for heightened flavor.
In preparing the stracciatella, all ingredients should be boiled together with salt and pepper for roughly 15 minutes. This will ensure that the cheese and eggs properly combine together to create the distinctive consistency this dish is known for.
A true Italian classic, stracciatella offers an unparalleled indulgence. Its unadulterated richness, combined with the freshness of herbs, produce a sensorial experience like no other. To truly appreciate the complexities of this timeless recipe, why not try making it yourself?
Stracciatella recipes
Amazing Stracciatella recipes sourced from the web.
The origin of Stracciatella
Stracciatella is a delicious Italian dish with a unique and colourful history. Though its exact origin is unknown, it has been around in various forms for centuries.
It is claimed by some that the dish originated as early as the 1700s in the small fishing town of Giulianova near the Adriatic coast of Abruzzo. It is said that fishermen would bring home a variety of small fish, shrimp and molluscs, which were then cooked with eggs and served in a tomato sauce.
Others claim that the modern version of Stracciatella was created by a chef in Naples in the late 1800s. This particular recipe used a mix of grana padano cheese, cream, egg yolks, nutmeg and fresh basil. The ingredients were blended together to create a creamy broth and poured into a shallow bowl. Once in the bowl, the Stracciatella broth was served with boiled eggs, lemon zest, parsley and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
The most commonly accepted explanation is that Stracciatella was invented in Rome in the mid-20th century by Francesco Leonardi, a famous Italian chef. It is said that Leonardi wanted to use some of the leftover items from an Italian “frittata,” consisting of egg, Parmesan, parsley and black pepper. He added cream, nutmeg, basil and a few other ingredients, creating a dish that became known as Stracciatella.
Over the years, the dish has evolved and changed. Variations include adding different types of cheese, croutons and even truffles. While the original recipe remains popular, Stracciatella has become something of an Italian superstar, found in restaurants across the globe in various forms.
No matter where or when it was created, one thing is certain: Stracciatella is a classic Italian dish with a colourful and interesting history. Its popularity continues to grow and it has truly earned its place as one of Italy's beloved dishes.
Types of Stracciatella
When I think of Stracciatella, the first thing that comes to mind is a sweet dessert, often served with strawberries and other seasonal fruits as a topping. But what many people may not know is that this Italian classic can also be transformed into an array of savory dishes.
Stracciatella is an egg-based dish made from whipped eggs, Parmesan cheese, a bit of olive oil and salt. The dish can be cooked in various ways, from a light soup-like consistency to a creamy risotto-style. Each cooking method produces a unique flavor that is both simple and complex.
For a lighter option, stracciatella alla Romana is a popular choice. This egg/cheese mixture is cooked in a broth of chicken or veal stock, often accompanied with a few slices of prosciutto. Although the addition of cured meats makes the dish heartier, it can still be enjoyed in its simplest form.
In contrast, stracciatella alla Toscana is a much creamier version. This version utilizes a béchamel sauce, perfect for those who want something a bit richer. It is typically served as an appetizer or main course with a side of crusty bread.
Stracciatella is also commonly used to garnish pasta dishes. In some cases, the egg/cheese mixture is added to a hot pan and allowed to scramble, creating an egg sauce that coats the noodles. In other instances, the stracciatella is added on top of the finished pasta dish.
Finally, there’s stracciatella gelato, a favorite summer treat. This ice cream is made by folding whipped egg whites into the cream base, and it's often flavored with chocolate, vanilla, or even coffee.
No matter how you choose to enjoy stracciatella, it’s sure to be a delightful experience. With its versatility and ease of preparation, it truly is an Italian staple that should be a staple in any home kitchen.