No. 26. Soup Alla Modanese Recipe

Soup Alla Modanese, also known as Modenese-style soup, is a delicious Italian soup that has been enjoyed for centuries. This recipe has its roots in Modena, a city in the northern region of Emilia-Romagna, which is known for its rich culinary traditions.

Fun Fact: Modena is famous for its balsamic vinegar, known as Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena, which is considered a prized delicacy worldwide.

Now, let's dive into the recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 pound of spinach
- 3 ounces of butter
- Salt, to taste
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Croutons, for serving
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable stock

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Begin by washing one pound of spinach thoroughly in five or six changes of water. This removes any impurities and dirt from the leaves. Once cleaned, chop the spinach very finely.

Step 2: Cook the Spinach
In a large pan, melt three ounces of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach to the pan and season it with a pinch of salt. Cook the spinach until it wilts and becomes tender. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 3: Strain the Spinach
Once the cooked spinach has cooled down, pass it through a fine-mesh sieve or a hair sieve. This step will help to create a smooth and velvety texture for the soup.

Step 4: Prepare the Soup Base
In a separate pot, bring the stock to a boil. You can use either chicken or vegetable stock, depending on your preference. The stock provides a flavorful base for the soup.

Step 5: Add Spinach Mixture and Seasonings
When the stock is boiling, add the strained spinach mixture into the pot. Stir well to combine. Then, beat two eggs in a separate bowl and add them to the soup. Additionally, mix in a tablespoonful of grated Parmesan cheese and add a pinch of nutmeg. These ingredients add richness and depth of flavor to the soup.

Step 6: Cook and Thicken the Soup
Place a lid on the pot and let the soup simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes. In the traditional method, hot coals were placed on top of the lid to allow the eggs to curdle and help thicken the soup. As a modern alternative, you can keep the pot covered and cook the soup on low heat until it thickens slightly.

Step 7: Serve with Croutons
Once the soup has thickened to your desired consistency, it's time to serve. Ladle the Soup Alla Modanese into bowls and garnish with crispy fried croutons. The croutons add a delightful crunch to the creamy soup.

Fun Fact: Croutons are small pieces of toasted or fried bread that are commonly used to garnish soups and salads.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful soup as a starter or a main course. The combination of the spinach, Parmesan, and nutmeg creates a unique and delicious taste that will surely impress your family and friends.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Minestrone Soup: A classic Italian soup made with a variety of vegetables and sometimes pasta or rice. It is known for its hearty and nourishing qualities.
- Cream of Spinach Soup: A creamy and velvety soup that highlights the flavor of spinach. It usually includes ingredients like onions, garlic, and heavy cream.
- Egg Drop Soup: A popular Chinese soup made by slowly pouring beaten eggs into boiling chicken or vegetable broth. It creates delicate egg ribbons in the soup, similar to the curdled eggs in Soup Alla Modanese.

These similar recipe dishes showcase the versatility of soups and the variety of flavors and ingredients used in different cuisines around the world.

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