This 20-minute Colombian-inspired egg drop soup, changua style, is the breakfast-for-dinner recipe I keep in my back pocket. Garlic-scented broth with milk, soft ribbons of egg, cilantro, and scallions — it's gentle, warming, and done in one pot. In Colombia, changua is the classic late-night-and-morning bowl.
Craving a soup that’s both lightning-fast and deeply satisfying? Look no further! While many of us think of the classic Chinese restaurant staple, the simple, brilliant idea of swirling eggs into simmering broth is a global comfort food. My favorite version, which I’m sharing today, is inspired by a creamy, cilantro-kissed Colombian soup called changua. It transforms a simple broth into a substantial, protein-packed meal in under 20 minutes. Once you master the basic technique, you can travel the world from your own kitchen with endless, delicious variations!
Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) minced garlic
• 1 quart / 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable stock
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup (480 ml) chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
1. Place the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant and golden, about 3 minutes.
2. Pour in the vegetable stock, a generous pinch of salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Raise the heat and bring to a rolling boil.
3. Add the milk and bring it back to a boil, then immediately lower the heat to maintain a steady, gentle simmer.
4. While stirring the soup constantly in one direction, slowly pour the beaten eggs in a thin, steady stream. Continue to stir for 1 to 2 minutes as the eggs cook into delicate ribbons.
5. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished generously with fresh cilantro and sliced scallions.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Information (per serving)
• Calories: 245 kcal
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fat: 16g
• Sodium: 450mg
Pro Tips
• Pro-Tips for Perfect Egg Drop Soup
• Instead of scrambling, gently crack 4 whole eggs into the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes until the whites are set for beautiful poached eggs in every bowl.
• Turn this into a hearty meal by adding 2 cups (480 ml) of cooked rice, pasta, or leftover potatoes to the broth before adding the eggs.
• Go global! For an Italian twist, skip the milk (use 6 cups / 1440 ml stock total) and stir 1/2 cup (480 ml) of grated Parmesan into the beaten eggs. For a Mexican style, add 1/2 cup (480 ml) crumbled queso fresco to the eggs and a pinch of chili powder to the garlic.
• Elevate the flavor right before serving by stirring in a pat of butter, a drizzle of quality olive oil, or a handful of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill.
FAQ
Q: How can I make this soup dairy-free
A: To make this soup dairy-free, simply substitute the 2 cups (480 ml) of milk with an equal amount of a creamy, unsweetened plant-based milk. Full-fat oat milk or soy milk are excellent choices as they will help maintain the soup’s rich and satisfying consistency.
Q: Is this vegetarian soup a good source of protein
A: Yes, this is a fantastic high-protein vegetarian meal. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams (0.53 oz / 15 g) of protein, primarily from the four large eggs and milk, making it a substantial and filling soup that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Q: Can I make this egg drop soup ahead of time
A: This soup is best enjoyed immediately after cooking to appreciate the delicate texture of the egg ribbons. If you need to store it, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, but avoid boiling, which can make the eggs rubbery.
Q: What can I add to make this soup a heartier meal
A: This soup is very easy to build upon. To make it a heartier vegetarian meal, stir in 2 cups (480 ml) of cooked rice, quinoa, small pasta like orzo, or diced leftover potatoes into the broth before you add the eggs. This will add complex carbs and make it even more filling.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Hearty Shiitake Mushroom Miso Soup
- Creamy Cauliflower Cheese Soup
- Hearty Chana Dal with Spinach (A Hug in a Bowl)
20-Minute Colombian-Inspired Egg Drop Soup (Changua Style)
Ingredients
Method
- Place the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant and golden, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable stock, a generous pinch of salt, and a few grinds of pepper.
- Raise the heat and bring to a rolling boil.
- Add the milk and bring it back to a boil, then immediately lower the heat to maintain a steady, gentle simmer.
- While stirring the soup constantly in one direction, slowly pour the beaten eggs in a thin, steady stream.
- Continue to stir for 1 to 2 minutes as the eggs cook into delicate ribbons.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished generously with fresh cilantro and sliced scallions.
- Turn this into a hearty meal by adding 2 cups (480 ml) of cooked rice, pasta, or leftover potatoes to the broth before adding the eggs.
