Introduction

This Depression era Egg Drop Soup is a testament to making something delicious from very little. Born from times of scarcity, this simple recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a comforting, nourishing meal in minutes. For more budget-friendly comfort food, try these Mini Chicken Pot Pie Muffins Recipe. It’s humble, hearty, and perfect for any day.

Ingredients

This Depression era Egg Drop Soup comes together with humble ingredients, creating a comforting bowl with silky egg ribbons in a light, savory broth that feels both nourishing and economical.

• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)

Timing

Context: This Depression era Egg Drop Soup recipe is about 25% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for quick, budget-friendly meals.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Broth Base

Pour 4 cups of water into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Add 2 chicken or vegetable bouillon cubes, stirring until fully dissolved. For a richer flavor, you can substitute 1 cup of water with homemade broth if available.

Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer before proceeding. The broth should be hot but not at a rolling boil when you add the egg to prevent tough strands.

Step 2 — Season the Broth

Add ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper to the simmering broth. Stir in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for depth and a subtle umami flavor characteristic of Depression era cooking.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remember that ingredients were often scarce during the Depression, so keep seasonings simple and balanced.

Step 3 — Thicken the Soup (Optional)

For a slightly thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering broth while stirring continuously.

Cook for 1-2 minutes until the broth slightly thickens. This step is optional but helps create the traditional texture of Depression era Egg Drop Soup.

Step 4 — Prepare the Eggs

Crack 2 large eggs into a small bowl and whisk thoroughly with a fork until the yolks and whites are completely combined. The mixture should be uniform in color with no separate white streaks visible.

For authentic Depression era style, you can add a tablespoon of water to the eggs to help them stretch further, making the most of limited ingredients.

Step 5 — Create the Egg Ribbons

Ensure the broth is at a steady simmer (not boiling). Hold the bowl of beaten eggs about 6 inches above the pot and slowly pour in a thin, steady stream while simultaneously stirring the broth in one direction with your other hand.

The swirling motion will create those characteristic feathery egg ribbons. Continue pouring until all egg is incorporated, which should take about 30 seconds.

Step 6 — Finish and Serve

Immediately remove the pot from heat once all egg is added. The residual heat will finish cooking the delicate egg strands perfectly without overcooking them.

Ladle the Depression era Egg Drop Soup into bowls and serve hot. For authenticity, enjoy this economical comfort food as is, though you can garnish with sliced green onions if available.

Nutritional Information

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Swap chicken broth for low-sodium vegetable broth — Reduces sodium while keeping a savory, comforting base.
• Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce — Offers a gluten-free, lower-sodium option with mild sweetness.
• Add silken tofu cubes instead of whole eggs — Provides a protein alternative with a delicate, custardy texture.
• Stir in chopped spinach or kale — Boosts fiber and nutrients without overpowering the soup’s simplicity.
• Replace white rice with cauliflower rice — Lowers carbs and adds a light, fluffy texture to the Depression era Egg Drop Soup.
• Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan (if added) — Delivers a cheesy, umami flavor while keeping the recipe dairy-free.
• Opt for egg whites only — Reduces cholesterol while maintaining the classic egg ribbon effect.
• Infuse with fresh ginger or turmeric — Enhances flavor with anti-inflammatory benefits, complementing the soup’s humble origins.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with simple crackers or dry toast for a complete, budget-friendly meal.
• Serve alongside a crisp green salad to add freshness and contrast.
• Enjoy with a side of steamed rice to make the Depression era Egg Drop Soup more filling.
• Accompany with pickled vegetables for a tangy flavor boost.
• Serve in a pre-warmed bowl to keep the soup hot longer, enhancing comfort.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or green onions for color and a mild onion flavor.
• Perfect for a quiet, comforting weeknight dinner or when you need a simple, nourishing meal.

This Depression era Egg Drop Soup is ideal for times when you want a quick, economical, and soothing dish that requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum comfort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using high heat when adding eggs, which makes them tough and rubbery. Fix: Turn off the heat completely before drizzling in the beaten eggs for delicate, silky ribbons.
• Mistake: Adding eggs all at once, which creates large, clumpy egg masses. Fix: Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs in a thin stream while gently stirring the broth in one direction.
• Mistake: Over-seasoning the broth before the eggs are added, leading to a salty soup. Fix: Season the broth lightly at first and adjust the final seasoning after the eggs have been incorporated.
• Mistake: Using a thin, watery broth that lacks the body needed for an authentic Depression era Egg Drop Soup. Fix: Simmer aromatic vegetables like onion and celery in your broth first to build a richer, more flavorful base.
• Mistake: Not properly tempering the eggs with a little hot broth, risking scrambled egg bits. Fix: Whisk a few tablespoons of the hot broth into the beaten eggs first to gently warm them before adding to the pot.
• Mistake: Skipping the cornstarch slurry, resulting in a thin, unsatisfying soup consistency. Fix: Create a smooth slurry with cornstarch and cold water, then stir it in to thicken the broth slightly before adding eggs.
• Mistake: Stirring the soup vigorously after the eggs are in, which breaks up the delicate strands. Fix: Let the eggs set for 30-60 seconds after adding them before giving one gentle stir to finish.
• Mistake: Using old or low-quality eggs that don’t create vibrant, yellow ribbons. Fix: Use the freshest eggs available for the best color and flavor that honors the simple, wholesome nature of this historic recipe.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Depression era Egg Drop Soup quickly, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; note that the egg texture may change slightly upon thawing.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 165°F for food safety.

Always allow the soup to cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing to maintain quality and safety.

Conclusion

This Depression era Egg Drop Soup is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly comforting and nourishing. If you enjoyed this budget-friendly recipe, try the Depression era Poor Man s Meal next. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Depression Era Egg Drop Soup

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A simple and filling soup from the Great Depression era, made with basic ingredients like eggs, chicken broth, and minimal seasonings.

• Author: Clara Cannucciari
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Method: Soup
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Chopped chives or scallions for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
2. In a small bowl, beat the eggs.
3. Reduce the heat to a simmer and slowly pour the beaten eggs into the broth while stirring gently with a fork to create thin strands.
4. Add butter or oil and stir until melted.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives or scallions if desired.

Notes

This recipe is a classic example of resourcefulness during the Great Depression, using minimal ingredients to create a satisfying meal. It’s quick, easy, and can be customized with additional seasonings or vegetables if available.

Nutrition

• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 1
• Sodium: 400
• Fat: 7
• Saturated Fat: 2
• Unsaturated Fat: 5
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 6
• Fiber: 0
• Protein: 10
• Cholesterol: 180

FAQs

What makes this Depression era Egg Drop Soup so simple and affordable?

This Depression era Egg Drop Soup uses only a few basic ingredients like broth, eggs, and simple seasonings. It was designed to be economical and filling during hard times, making it a perfect budget-friendly meal.

Can I make substitutions in this Depression era Egg Drop Soup?

Yes, you can easily adapt this Depression era Egg Drop Soup based on what you have. Use water with a bouillon cube instead of broth or add any leftover vegetables to stretch the meal further.