This traditional Soup Royale, often called Napkin Soup, is a hearty Italian comfort dish. It features a rich chicken and beef broth thickened with handmade dumplings made from flour, parmesan cheese, butter, and eggs. The dumplings are uniquely cooked inside a cloth bag, then sliced into cubes and returned to the pot. The result is a velvety, savory soup with tender cheesy chunks. Perfect for cold winter evenings or special family dinners, this recipe delivers deep, satisfying flavors using simple pantry staples.
Soup Royale (Aka Napkin Soup
Description
This traditional Soup Royale, often called Napkin Soup, is a hearty Italian comfort dish. It features a rich chicken and beef broth thickened with handmade dumplings made from flour, parmesan cheese, butter, and eggs. The dumplings are uniquely cooked inside a cloth bag, then sliced into cubes and returned to the pot. The result is a velvety, savory soup with tender cheesy chunks. Perfect for cold winter evenings or special family dinners, this recipe delivers deep, satisfying flavors using simple pantry staples.Ingredients
Directions
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In a large bowl, combine the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and freshly grated nutmeg.
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Lightly beat the eggs in a separate small bowl, then stir them into the dry ingredients until well blended.
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Add the cold butter pieces to the mixture and stir until incorporated, forming a thick dough.
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Wet a clean cotton cloth napkin with water and squeeze out excess moisture so it is damp but not dripping. Spread it flat on a clean surface.
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Spoon the cheese mixture into the center of the damp napkin.
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Bring up the corners of the napkin and tie them tightly together with kitchen twine to form a sealed bag.
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Place the tied napkin bag into a large soup kettle or pot containing the 10 cups of chicken and beef broth.
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Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 2 hours.
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Carefully remove the bag from the broth using tongs and place it on a heat-safe surface.
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Allow the bag to cool until it is safe to handle, about 10-15 minutes.
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Untie the bag and carefully remove the now-solidified dumpling loaf from the napkin.
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Slice the loaf into 1/2-inch thick slices, then cut these slices into cubes.
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Reheat the broth to a gentle boil and add the cheese cubes.
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Boil gently for 10 minutes to heat the cubes through and allow them to absorb some broth.
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Serve the soup piping hot in deep bowls.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 238.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9.0g14%
- Saturated Fat 5.5g28%
- Cholesterol 26.4mg9%
- Sodium 463.5mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 24.0g8%
- Dietary Fiber 0.8g4%
- Sugars 0.4g
- Protein 13.5g27%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Use a clean, unused cotton napkin or a piece of cheesecloth specifically for cooking. Ensure it is tightly tied to prevent the mixture from leaking into the broth.
Do not skip the cooling step; the dumpling mixture needs to set slightly to be sliced cleanly.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken and beef broth with a robust vegetable broth.
You can add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the broth for extra flavor.
Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove; the dumplings may soften further upon reheating.
