The Ultimate Guide to Making Egg Drop Soup: Recipe, Health Benefits, History, and Variations
Egg drop soup is a popular dish among soup lovers worldwide. It is a light, savory, and easy-to-make soup that can be served as an appetizer or main course. Egg drop soup originated in China and is still a staple dish in many Asian countries. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to making egg drop soup. We’ll cover its variations, health benefits, history, and alternatives.
Step-by-Step Recipe
To make egg drop soup, you’ll need:
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation time: 10 to 15 minutes
- In a bowl, whisk cornstarch, soy sauce, and two tablespoons of broth until cornstarch dissolves. Set it aside.
- Bring the remaining broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
- While whisking the broth continuously, pour in a steady stream of the egg mixture.
- Boil the soup while stirring gently for 1 minute.
- Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with green onions.
- Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for a minute before serving.
Helpful tips:
- Whisking the eggs lightly gives the soup a silky texture.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture into the broth in a steady stream to ensure the eggs don’t clump.
- Cornstarch helps thicken the soup. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can reduce the amount of cornstarch.
- You can garnish the soup with some chopped cilantro, sesame oil, or chili sauce for added flavor.
Variations of Egg Drop Soup
There are many variations of egg drop soup worldwide. Depending on the region, you’ll find different ingredients, spices, and cooking techniques used to make the soup. Here are a few popular variations:
Chinese Egg Drop Soup
The original egg drop soup is from China and is also known as “Egg Flower Soup.” Chinese egg drop soup usually includes ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in the broth, along with finely diced meat and/or vegetables like mushrooms and carrots.
Italian Egg Drop Soup
In Italy, egg drop soup is called Stracciatella soup. It is made with chicken broth, spices, and Parmesan cheese. Instead of whisked eggs, Stracciatella soup uses beaten egg whites and yolks stirred into the broth. Fresh spinach is also added to the soup.
Korean Egg Drop Soup
In Korea, egg drop soup is called Gyeran-guk. It is made with a chicken or beef broth, diced vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and onions. The addition of cooked rice makes this soup an ideal comfort food during cold weather.
Mexican Egg Drop Soup
In Mexico, egg drop soup is known as Sopa de Ajo and is made with garlic and chicken broth, flavored with paprika and chili powder. The soup is thickened with eggs and tortilla chips are added for a crispy texture.
Health Benefits of Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup is not only delicious, but it is also a healthy soup choice. Here are some of the health benefits of egg drop soup:
- Low-calorie: egg drop soup is a low-calorie soup that makes it an ideal choice for anyone trying to lose weight. A serving size of soup contains around 70-100 calories.
- Good source of protein: the eggs in egg drop soup are a great source of protein, and a bowl of soup can provide 7 grams of protein per serving.
- Rich in vitamins: egg drop soup contains many essential vitamins like vitamin B12, D, and E.
- Good for digestion: the warm broth in egg drop soup helps in digestion and can ease an upset stomach.
- Immunity booster: garlic, ginger, and onion in the soup also help boost the immune system and fight cold and flu.
The History of Egg Drop Soup
According to historical records, egg drop soup has been enjoyed in China for over a thousand years. The earliest known documentation of the recipe dates back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). Originally, this soup was made with a simple combination of chicken broth and whisked eggs. Over time, different regions added their own variations to the recipe and included ingredients like ginger, garlic, and various vegetables.
In the 19th century, Chinese immigrants brought egg drop soup to western countries, where it quickly gained popularity among food lovers. Egg drop soup became a staple dish of Chinese restaurants worldwide and remains a favorite soup choice in many countries today.
Egg Drop Soup Alternatives
If you want to try alternatives to egg drop soup, here are a few options you can explore:
Corn Soup
Corn soup is similar to egg drop soup and has a creamy, silky texture. The soup is made with whole sweetcorn kernels, chicken broth, and a mixture of beaten eggs and cornstarch to thicken the soup.
Miso Soup
Miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup made with miso paste, seaweed, tofu, and green onions. Like egg drop soup, it is light and savory and can be served as an appetizer or main course.
Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken and rice soup is a comfort food with a hearty, soulful appeal. The soup is made with chicken, rice, vegetables, and chicken broth. You can add eggs to the soup while whisking in the broth, which gives it a creamy texture similar to egg drop soup.
Conclusion
Egg drop soup is a versatile and delicious soup option that can be made quickly and easily. We have shown you how to make egg drop soup, discussed its different variations, health benefits, history, and alternatives. You can experiment with the recipe and add your own twist to make it unique. We hope this guide has inspired you to try out new recipes and discover the different variations of egg drop soup.
