Authentic Seville Salmorejo
Savor the authentic taste of Seville with this refreshing Salmorejo, a traditional Andalusian cold tomato soup. Perfect for hot summer days, this recipe blends ripe tomatoes with rustic French bread, seasoned with a hint of red wine vinegar and garlic. It is elegantly finished with the richness of dark olive oil, and garnished with hard-boiled eggs and bacon strips. Despite its simplicity, the harmonious flavors make it a delightful dish. Inspired by Seville's rich culinary history, this version of Salmorejo is sure to bring the essence of southern Spain to your table.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
5 (peeled)
French bread slices
5 (rustic)
Red wine vinegar
3 teaspoons (none)
Salt
1 tablespoon (none)
Garlic clove
1/2 (minced)
Hard-boiled egg
1 (per person, torn)
Bacon
1 strip (per person, cooked and torn)
Dark olive oil
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the tomatoes: bring a pot of water to a boil, and submerge the tomatoes for 1 minute to loosen their skins. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to cool, then peel the skins off effortlessly.
2
In a blender, combine the peeled tomatoes, salt, red wine vinegar, and half a clove of garlic. Blend until smooth.
3
Gradually add the French bread slices to the blender, allowing each piece to fully incorporate before adding the next. Monitor the consistency closely; the mixture should be thick yet pourable.
4
Chill the blended soup in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and to achieve a refreshing temperature.
5
When ready to serve, ladle the salmorejo into bowls. Use your hands to gently tear the hard-boiled egg and bacon strip into pieces, and arrange them as a garnish in the center of each bowl.
6
Drizzle a generous amount of dark olive oil over the top of the soup for an added depth of flavor and an attractive sheen.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Seville Salmorejo?
It is a traditional Andalusian cold tomato soup known for its thick, creamy texture and refreshing taste.
What are the primary ingredients in Salmorejo?
The main ingredients include ripe tomatoes, rustic French bread, red wine vinegar, salt, garlic, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, and olive oil.
How does Salmorejo differ from Gazpacho?
Salmorejo is much thicker than Gazpacho because it uses more bread and excludes other vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers.
How do I easily peel the tomatoes?
Boil them for 1 minute to loosen the skins, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to make peeling effortless.
What type of bread should I use for this recipe?
Rustic French bread slices are recommended to achieve the traditional consistency.
Why must the bread be added gradually?
Adding bread gradually allows you to monitor the thickness so the soup remains pourable while becoming creamy.
How long should Salmorejo be chilled?
The soup should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What are the traditional garnishes for Seville Salmorejo?
The traditional garnishes are torn pieces of hard-boiled egg and cooked bacon strips.
What is the purpose of adding dark olive oil at the end?
Dark olive oil adds a rich depth of flavor and gives the soup an attractive, glossy sheen.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This specific recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
Is this recipe considered difficult to prepare?
No, it is an easy recipe that relies on simple blending and fresh ingredients.
How much garlic is used in this version of Salmorejo?
The recipe calls for half a clove of minced garlic to provide a subtle hint of flavor.
Is the bacon used in the soup or as a topping?
The bacon is cooked and torn into pieces to be used exclusively as a garnish in the center of the bowl.
What kind of vinegar is best for an authentic taste?
Red wine vinegar is the preferred choice for providing the traditional Andalusian acidity.
Can I use green or unripe tomatoes?
No, ripe tomatoes are essential for the characteristic red color and sweet, balanced flavor profile.
Should Salmorejo be served hot?
No, Salmorejo is strictly a cold soup, making it a popular dish for hot summer days.
Where does this dish originate?
It is a staple of southern Spanish cuisine, specifically from the city of Seville and the surrounding Andalusian region.
What is the ideal texture of Salmorejo?
The texture should be smooth, thick enough to hold the weight of the garnishes, but still pourable.
Is it necessary to use a blender?
Yes, a blender is required to emulsify the tomatoes, bread, and oil into a perfectly smooth consistency.
How much salt does the recipe require?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of salt, though this can be adjusted slightly to personal preference.
Can this soup be made in advance?
Yes, it is often better when made ahead of time as the flavors continue to develop while chilling.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written it is not gluten-free because it uses French bread, but gluten-free bread could be used as a substitute.
Does the recipe include any sugar?
No, there is no added sugar; the natural sweetness of the ripe tomatoes provides the necessary balance.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Dark olive oil is suggested for its richness, but high-quality extra virgin olive oil is also a great choice.
Can I add other vegetables like peppers or onions?
While variations exist, the authentic Seville version focuses primarily on tomatoes and bread to maintain its specific identity.
How do I arrange the garnishes?
Ladle the soup into a bowl and arrange the torn egg and bacon in the center before drizzling the oil.
Is a food processor suitable for this recipe?
A food processor can work, but a high-powered blender typically produces a smoother, creamier result.
Do I need to add water to the soup?
No water is added; the liquid comes entirely from the fresh tomatoes.
Can this be served as a main course?
It is usually served as a starter or a light lunch, though the bread and protein garnishes make it quite filling.
Is Salmorejo a traditional Mediterranean dish?
Yes, it is a classic example of Mediterranean diet principles, utilizing fresh produce, bread, and olive oil.