Chicken broth with eggs is a simple yet comforting dish that combines the rich flavor of chicken broth with the smooth texture of eggs. This dish is often found in various cuisines and can be made as a light soup or a more substantial meal, depending on how you prepare it. Here’s a basic recipe for a classic egg drop soup, a popular Chinese-inspired dish:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
- 1-2 cloves garlic (minced, optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated, optional)
- 2-3 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Soy sauce (to taste, optional)
- Sesame oil (a few drops, optional, for flavor)
Instructions:
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Prepare the broth:
- In a large pot, heat the chicken broth over medium heat. If you’re using garlic and ginger, add them to the broth and let them infuse the flavor as the broth heats up.
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Thicken the broth (optional):
- If you prefer a thicker broth, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Stir this slurry into the simmering broth and cook for a few minutes until the broth thickens slightly.
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Prepare the eggs:
- In a small bowl, beat the eggs with a fork until well mixed.
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Add eggs to the broth:
- Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Slowly pour the beaten eggs into the simmering broth while stirring continuously. This will create delicate, silky egg ribbons throughout the soup.
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Season and serve:
- Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and soy sauce if desired. Add a few drops of sesame oil for extra flavor if you like.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions.
Tips:
- Egg Ribbons: For the best egg ribbons, make sure the broth is simmering gently and not boiling too vigorously when you add the eggs.
- Flavor Variations: You can add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or corn to the broth for added texture and flavor. Add these vegetables before adding the eggs to allow them to cook through.
- Protein Addition: If you want to add more protein, you can include cooked, shredded chicken or tofu cubes.
This chicken broth with eggs recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect light meal or appetizer. The result is a warm, soothing soup with a comforting texture and flavor.
