What is Stracciatella?
Stracciatella is more than just a cheese — it’s actually the name of three different foods: a cheese, a soup, and a gelato.
The name “stracciatella” loosely translates to “little rags” or “shreds” in Italian. Each of these dishes gets its name from the appearance of small, irregular pieces.
In this article, we’ll be diving into the world of stracciatella cheese — what makes it so special and how it’s different from the other foods that share its name.
Stracciatella Cheese: The Heart of Burrata
If you’re a fan of Italian cheeses, you may have already encountered stracciatella, especially if you’re a burrata lover.
What is stracciatella cheese, anyway?
Stracciatella cheese is made from fresh mozzarella that’s often mixed with heavy cream. It’s known for its creamy, slightly spicy, delicate flavor and its stringy, soft texture.
Think of it this way: Stracciatella is the creamy, delicious filling of burrata cheese.
How stracciatella differs from burrata
Burrata has a solid outer shell of mozzarella, while stracciatella is just the creamy, stringy filling.
Stracciatella is typically served on bread along with tomatoes, arugula, and balsamic vinegar. Crusty bread is a must!
Making stracciatella at home: A simple recipe
You can easily make stracciatella yourself, using a simple “shortcut” method. Here’s how:
The “shortcut” method
This method relies on using fresh mozzarella as your starting point.
Ingredients
You’ll need fresh mozzarella and heavy cream. Optional toppings might include Calabrian chiles or toasted almonds.
Step-by-step instructions
- Shred the mozzarella. Pull or cut the mozzarella into thin strands.
- Soak in cream. Put the mozzarella strands in a bowl and cover with heavy cream. Add a pinch of salt.
- Chill. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
When you’re ready to serve, you can add your favorite toppings or enjoy it on its own!
Elevating Your Stracciatella: Toppings and Variations
While stracciatella is amazing on its own, you can easily customize it with different toppings and accompaniments.
Spicy Chili Crisp Topping
For a spicy kick, try topping your stracciatella with a homemade chili crisp. A great chili crisp combines Calabrian chiles, garlic, herbs, a touch of sugar, almonds, and Tamari. Crisp the garlic in olive oil, then combine with the other ingredients.
Other Topping Ideas
The possibilities are endless! Try:
- Herbs and Nuts: Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
- Fresh Produce: Shaved fennel, fresh greens, flaky salt, basil leaves, and freshly cracked black pepper all work beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
A drizzle of high-quality olive oil is always a welcome addition. You can also serve stracciatella with grilled vegetables or an assortment of cured meats for a more substantial appetizer or light meal.
Stracciatella beyond cheese: Soup and gelato
The word “stracciatella” refers not only to cheese. There’s also a soup and a gelato by the same name.
Stracciatella soup
Stracciatella soup is a simple Italian egg soup made with broth, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. The eggs and cheese create a shredded texture, which is how it got its name.
Stracciatella gelato
Stracciatella gelato is vanilla ice cream with dark chocolate drizzled in. As it freezes, the chocolate hardens into thin, uneven shards that mimic the shredded appearance of stracciatella cheese.
Key Takeaways
From the creamy cheese to the comforting soup and the refreshing gelato, stracciatella offers a range of delicious culinary experiences. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in so many ways.
So, go ahead and experiment! Try stracciatella cheese on its own or as part of a more complex dish.
Its simple yet elegant nature makes it the perfect addition to any food lover’s repertoire.