Thursday, January 21, 2010

Egg Drop Soup

Ordinarily I work my 40 hours from my home office, but occasionally have to attend a mandatory meeting at the facility that issues my paycheck, grins. So, it happened this past Wednesday, I had to schlep through snow and ice, and ended up being an hour late due to multiple car accidents that were scattered along the interstate.  Even in the beautiful Twin State Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire we haven't learned that the posted speed limits are for that one perfect day in July when the roads are bone dry,  the sun is out and is in perfect alignment with the rest of the cosmos, and you are the only vehicle in miles and the deer and the moose are in some  distant hidden green pasture or bog (As an aside, even though there is much criticism  and derision of the driving habits of our "flatlander" brethren,  I did not see one out-of-state vehicle off the road).

Anyway, as I was running breathlessly down the hallowed halls  trying to find an obscure conference room, I ran in a dear co-worker Betty D.  Betty is blond, lithe, ethereal , a delight to the eyes and to the heart.  As she is often wont to do, she sprinted along with me and  asked me how my blog was going and what was new . In between gasps of air, I mentioned I had made an egg drop soup but wasn't going to post it, as it was very simple and quick, good, but not restaurant quality. It is one, however,  that I would certainly make again, as both Ole Sweetie-Pi and I ate big bowls of it.

"Oh, I would love that," she exclaimed.  "This would be perfect for me right now."  I gave her a hug. My friend is recovering from an extended illness and is slowly regaining her appetite.  Yes, of course, I would happy share.

This is my first try at egg drop soup. The recipe not very specific as to quantities so I guessed.  I think I added too much spinach (I used spinach from a frozen package, took out a hunk, defrosted in the microwave), and perhaps three stems of scallions (also known as green onions, depending on where you live).  I could have added more chicken broth to (obviously) make it more brothy and less spinach-y, but we like spinach, so it was fine with us.

In the time it takes to open up a couple of cans of broth, add fresh or defrosted spinach, chop up a couple of scallions, stir in some beaten egg, you have a delicious, nurturing, nourishing soup.

Egg Drop Soup

5 cups low fat, low sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup julienned fresh spinach (or a small bit of frozen spinach, defrosted)
2-3 scallions (green onions) sliced

In a large saucepan, bring the broth and sugar to a boil over medium heat and then reduce the heat to low.

With a whisk or chopsticks, stir the broth in one direction only (you are trying to make the desired egg threads) and add the egg in a steady stream.

Remove from the heat and add the spinach and  scallions.

Serves 4

45 comments:

  1. Hello Katy,

    This is the type of soup that I cook when I'm lazy. The Chinese way of making egg drop is to put the soup under high heat, stir in the beaten egg and off heat.

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  2. This soup is perfect for this chilly, windy night. I just have to replace it with veg broth.Spinach we all love.

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  3. Soooo yummy and refreshing soup dear...

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  4. My husband's favorite cure! I like your version with spinach - so very nutritious!

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  5. New soup to me Katy..sounds easy and yumm

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  6. Sounds like a wonderful soup. And today would be the perfect rainy day for it!

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  7. I always think that egg drop soup needs a little more something... Love all the extra spinach

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  8. Sounds like a yummy soup for a cold day with not that many ingredients. I love soup in the winter. Spinach sounds good to me.

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  9. I've found that sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones people want to see the most. This soup looks fantastic! It would definitely hit the spot on a cold day.

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  10. This sounds wonderful to me! I'd add some ramen noodles and a couple of teaspoons of miso paste to my bowl. Simple can be very, very good.

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  11. Hi Katy. I love this soup. How easy to make and I know my husband would love it. Soup to me is good any time of the year and in Winter, it's best. Thanks for sharing. Have a great Friday.

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  12. So perfect for a quick lunch on a cold rainy day(like today).
    Mimi

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  13. Hi Katy,
    Never heard about this soup before, each time I visit your blog, I'm learning something new lol. Good for me.
    It sounds easy to make, and I love that green colour! Perfect soup for a winter day, thanks for sharing darling.
    Cheers,

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  14. I like that it's so easy and that it has spinach! My older son likes EDS, so when he's over one day, I'll have to make it for him.

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  15. oh i'm glad you did post this, i LOVE egg drop soup! this looks irrestistable!

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  16. This sounds easy and delicious! I love egg drop soup. :)

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  17. I like that you added spinach to this - full of great protein and vitamins! Looks better than anything from the Chinese restaurant!

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  18. To post or not to post! I have the same problem sometimes. Lots of pictures that could be a post. It sounds healthy and delicious!

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  19. Oh,yeah! I know for a FACT the kiddos would enjoy this. Thanks! I hadn't thought to try making this at home for them.
    ~ingrid

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  20. That looks like a perfect and healthy soup...

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  21. What an easy and delicious soup! I've never made my own egg drop. I will definitely have to give it a try. I'm so glad you posted it.

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  22. Katy - it's simple and grand similar to stracciatella (spell?) that I make. Perfect for coming home after a sleety drive. Glad you don't always go the speed limit!

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  23. A perfect soup made better by the addition of spinach, it looks delectable!!

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  24. It looks very comforting and good for you at the same time.

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  25. Hmmmm....I have never had this Katy. But it does look like all the 'right' ingredients for sure. Things I keep on hand and the simplicity I like. I too am glad you shared this.

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  26. merci pour cette recette qui est simple et rapide je noterai
    bonne journée

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  27. I'm so excited to try this! My four year old son tried egg drop soup once at a local Chinese buffet and loved it! I bought one of the little package mixes at the store and he didn't seem to care much for it--I bet he'd love this recipe! So very glad you posted it :)

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  28. what a delight...so good for the soul when you are fasting! So glad you posted it!!!

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  29. I love this story. It's a great reminder that things we think are simple and maybe not blog worthy most certainly are of interest to others. And by the way, I love egg drop soup. I haven't made it in awhile and this is a great reminder. I think I'll make it tonight with a nice salad. Hugs to you and your friend.

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  30. Enjoy your one week vacation my friend!

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  31. As always, I loved reading this post.

    The egg drop soup sounds wonderful. The only way my kids will ever eat spinach is in soup. Well, ok... sometimes pasta(with cream sauce). I want to give this one a try. : )

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  32. That looks truly Chinese and delicious!

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  33. Oh my gosh, this is just what i need to make me feel better !
    This would be 100% comfort to me ...I have to try it.
    Thanks for sharing !

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  34. Egg drop soup is a simple and delicious soup. The addition of spinach is a healthy and colorful addition to this simple and delicious soup.

    P.S. I smiled at the posted speed limit comment "for that one perfect day in July"....Stay warm.

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  35. Sorry, I think I just wanted to emphasize "simple and delicious" I said it twice. :-)

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  36. This looks like a very nice "Get Well" soup to me. I love that it is fairly simple and full of healthy spinach. Hope your friend is all better very soon! :)

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  37. Mmm... I LOVE egg drop soup! When my family gets their Chinese chicken and rice I get an egg roll and large egg drop soup. It's my favorite!! I've never thought of making it though, that's crazy! You eggs look perfect! I don't think I could pull it off Katy, you did a fantastic job!

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  38. I love egg drop soup. My friend use to put fresh squeezed lemon in it whenever we would go to a Chinese restaurant.

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  39. It sounds delicious Katy and I also love egg drop soup!

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  40. This sounds delicious Katy! And don't we all love easy and delicious! Missed you sweet Katy, your always a bright spot that I need!

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  41. Hi Katy! Egg drop soup is such a comforting and quick meal ~ healthful, too.

    I just love it. I like your addition of spinach to bump the nutrition. I'm going to try it your way next time. xo

    PS. DITTO your description about "interpretations" of "safe" speed limits under varying conditions throughout the year. I hear you! It's the same way here. eeek!

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  42. Delightful Katy. Simply refreshing. I'm so glad you shared this post. I must put egg drop soup on my to do recipe list...

    Thanks for sharing...

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  43. Katy - This soup sounds so good, but I was especially touched by your sweet connection with your coworker. It's my pleasure to know you (as a blog buddy, of course).
    Susan

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  44. i am so glad you posted this because my husband and I love Egg Drop soup and i haven't bothered to look for a recipe and now I have one that i know is a winner!

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  45. I like making this kind of soup very often with different greens! Simply delicious.

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