No. 25. Soup Alla Nazionale Recipe
No. 25 Soup Alla Nazionale is a delightful Italian soup that not only satisfies your taste buds but also represents the three colors of the Italian flag – red, white, and green. This soup is traditionally made by layering a savory custard colored with tomato and spinach, and then serving it with a delicious clear soup poured over it. The result is a visually stunning dish that is as tasty as it is beautiful.
Originating in Italy, Soup Alla Nazionale has a rich history and is often served as a celebration of Italian culture and patriotism. It is commonly associated with national holidays and special occasions, where Italians come together to enjoy their country's iconic colors. The dish is said to have been inspired by the Italian flag, with each layer of custard representing a different color.
Fun Fact: The Italian flag, known as "Il Tricolore," was first adopted as the national flag of Italy in 1797. It features three vertical bands of green, white, and red, representing hope, faith, and charity, respectively. This flag has become an important symbol of Italian identity and is proudly displayed during national celebrations.
Now, let's dive into the recipe for No. 25 Soup Alla Nazionale:
Ingredients:
- Clear soup
- Savory custard
- Tomato (for red coloring)
- Spinach (for green coloring)
Directions:
1. Start by preparing the savory custard. You will need to make one full batch of custard and then divide it into three equal parts.
2. To achieve the red color, add a small amount of tomato puree or tomato paste to one part of the custard mixture. Mix well until the desired color is achieved. You can adjust the amount of tomato based on how vibrant you want the red layer to be.
3. For the green color, blanch fresh spinach leaves and then finely chop or puree them. Add the spinach puree to another part of the custard mixture and mix until the custard turns a vibrant green color.
4. Leave the third part of the custard mixture plain white, as it will represent the white layer of the Italian flag.
5. Butter a saucepan and layer each color of the custard one on top of the other. Start with the white layer, followed by the red, and then the green. Make sure each layer is evenly distributed.
6. Cook the layered custard in the saucepan for about ten minutes. This will ensure that the custard sets and holds its shape when cut into dice.
7. Once the custard is cooked, remove it from the saucepan and carefully cut it into small dice, creating lovely cubes of red, white, and green. The diced custard will beautifully represent the colors of the Italian flag.
8. Transfer the diced custard into a soup tureen or individual serving bowls.
9. Finally, pour a good amount of clear soup over the custard in the tureen or bowls. The clear soup will bring all the flavors together and create a delicious soup that showcases the vibrant colors of the Italian flag.
Serve the No. 25 Soup Alla Nazionale immediately, allowing your guests to marvel at the magnificent layers of red, white, and green in each spoonful. This soup is a true delight for both the eyes and the palate, and it makes a wonderful starter for any Italian-themed meal or special occasion.
Similar Recipe Dishes:
1. Italian Flag Lasagna: This dish features layers of pasta sheets, tomato sauce, and creamy béchamel sauce arranged in the colors of the Italian flag. It is a comforting and delicious main course that embraces the patriotic spirit.
2. Caprese Salad: A classic Italian salad that celebrates the colors of the Italian flag. This dish consists of ripe tomatoes (red), mozzarella cheese (white), and fresh basil leaves (green), drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
3. Margherita Pizza: Named after Queen Margherita of Italy and created to resemble the Italian flag, this pizza is topped with tomatoes (red), mozzarella cheese (white), and fresh basil leaves (green). It is a flavorful and iconic Italian dish loved by many.
Enjoy exploring these dishes that pay tribute to the beautiful colors of Italy. Buon appetito!
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