Authentic Spanish Garlic Soup
Experience the rich flavors of Spain with this Classic Sopa de Ajo, a heartwarming garlic soup perfect for cool evenings. This traditional dish combines crusty bread, fragrant garlic, and a touch of paprika, creating a robust broth that warms the soul. The addition of eggs brings a delightful creaminess that enhances every spoonful. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Make it for family gatherings or cozy nights in, and enjoy the comforting aromas that fill your kitchen.
6
Servings
92
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
crusty baguette
1 (day old, sliced thinly)
olive oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin preferred)
garlic cloves
6-8 (peeled and minced)
paprika
3/4 teaspoon (smoked paprika recommended)
water
6 cups (filtered or broth for extra flavor)
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
salt
to taste (sea salt recommended)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating the olive oil in a wide, shallow soup pot over medium heat.
2
Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, being careful not to let it burn.
3
Once the garlic is golden, add the thinly sliced baguette to the pot, stirring gently to coat the bread with the garlic-infused oil.
4
Continue to sauté the bread until it is toasted and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
5
Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the paprika, ensuring it evenly coats the bread and garlic.
6
Gradually pour in the water (or broth) while stirring to combine all ingredients, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
7
Season water with salt to taste, then return the pot to medium-low heat.
8
Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
9
When ready to serve, slowly drizzle in the lightly beaten eggs while stirring the soup to create a delicate ribbon effect.
10
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional paprika or olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Information
3.7g
Fat
10g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the traditional name for Spanish Garlic Soup?
The traditional name for this dish is Sopa de Ajo.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the primary ingredients in Sopa de Ajo?
The main ingredients include a crusty baguette, olive oil, garlic cloves, paprika, water or broth, eggs, and salt.
What type of bread is best for this garlic soup?
A day-old crusty baguette sliced thinly is recommended for the best texture.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses bread, garlic, oil, eggs, and water or vegetable broth.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 92 calories.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 to 8 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced.
What kind of paprika is recommended?
Smoked paprika is highly recommended to achieve the authentic Spanish flavor.
How do you incorporate the eggs into the soup?
The eggs are lightly beaten and slowly drizzled into the hot soup while stirring to create a ribbon effect.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer gently for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
What type of olive oil should be used?
Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its rich flavor.
Can I use broth instead of water?
Yes, using broth instead of filtered water can provide extra depth of flavor.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 3.7g of fat in each serving.
How much protein does this soup have?
Each serving contains about 3g of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I use fresh or day-old bread?
Day-old bread is preferred as it holds its structure better when toasted and simmered.
At what heat should I sauté the garlic?
The garlic should be sautéed over medium heat until fragrant and golden.
Why is the paprika added after removing the pot from heat?
Paprika is added off the heat to prevent it from burning, which would make the soup taste bitter.
How long does it take to toast the bread in the pot?
The bread should be sautéed for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes toasted and golden brown.
What kind of salt is suggested for seasoning?
Sea salt is recommended for seasoning the soup to taste.
Can this soup be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be enjoyed as either an appetizer or a light main course.
What texture do the eggs provide?
The eggs add a delightful creaminess and delicate ribbons to the broth.
How many cups of liquid are required?
The recipe requires 6 cups of water or broth.
Is this a good meal for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a heartwarming comfort food perfect for cool evenings.
What is the preparation for the garlic cloves?
The garlic cloves should be peeled and minced before being sautéed.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar information?
The nutritional data provided lists fiber and sugar as null or unavailable.
What is the first step in making this soup?
The first step is heating olive oil in a wide, shallow soup pot over medium heat.
Are there any suggested garnishes?
You can garnish the soup with additional paprika or a drizzle of olive oil.
What makes this soup robust?
The combination of garlic-infused oil, toasted bread, and paprika creates a robust and flavorful broth.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family gatherings or cozy nights in.