Egg Drop Soup(Light, Sherry-Flavored Soup With The Tang Of Scallion Rounds)
A light, sherry-flavored egg drop soup with the tang of scallion rounds, packed with vegetables and herbs, perfect for a comforting, flavorful starter or light meal.
Ingredients
- 6 1/4 cups basic chicken stock ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sherry ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 egg whites ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 cup pearl barley ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 1/2 cups diced zucchini ⓘ
- 3 cups fresh spinach, packed and lightly chopped ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, cook the onion and garlic in 3 tablespoons of chicken stock until wilted.
- Add the barley and remaining chicken stock; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and cook on low for 25 minutes, covered.
- Add green pepper, cauliflower, zucchini, and spinach; cook for an additional 20 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, thyme, dill, white pepper, and salt; stir until the tomato paste dissolves.
- Cook for 5 more minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought. If you prefer a thicker soup, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water before adding it to the pot. You can also substitute the pearl barley with quinoa or rice for a different texture. Fresh herbs can be swapped based on availability; basil or parsley work well too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Egg Drop Soup hot, garnished with additional sliced scallions for a fresh crunch. It pairs beautifully with Roasted Chinese Chicken Wings for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside steamed rice or a light salad to balance the flavors. Enjoy with friends for a cozy gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from thickening too much, and warm it gently on the stove for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Egg Drop Soup(Light, Sherry-Flavored Soup With The Tang Of Scallion Rounds) contains roughly 306 calories, with 14g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (125% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1280mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used as a convenient alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen veggies typically cook faster. Add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure they are heated through without becoming mushy.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock. Ensure that the soy sauce is plant-based, and you can also add tofu for protein. This will maintain the soup's richness while keeping it meat-free.
What can I do if I don't have sherry?
If you don't have sherry, dry white wine or rice vinegar can be used as alternatives. They provide a similar tangy flavor. If you prefer to omit alcohol altogether, a splash of lemon juice can add brightness without compromising the overall taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).