Authentic Spanish Garlic Soup with Rustic Bread
Savor the rich flavors of Spain with this authentic Castilian Garlic Soup, or Sopa de Ajo. Perfectly balancing the warmth of garlic, the depth of chicken stock, and the vibrant profile of Spanish paprika, this hearty soup is a celebration of rustic Spanish cuisine. Easy to prepare and incredibly comforting, it's ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a unique appetizer for your next gathering. Topped with fluffy egg strands and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish is not just a meal; it's an experience to be shared with loved ones.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (Preferably Spanish)
Garlic Cloves
6 (Peeled and sliced)
White Wine
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Spanish Sweet Paprika
1/2 tablespoon (N/A)
Rustic White Bread
3 ounces (Crust removed and torn into small pieces)
Chicken Stock
1 quart (N/A)
Large Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Salt
to taste (N/A)
Flat Leaf Parsley
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the sliced garlic cloves and sauté until they turn golden brown and fragrant, which should take about 1 minute.
3
Pour in the white wine and allow it to cook for approximately 30 seconds, letting the alcohol evaporate.
4
Stir in the Spanish sweet paprika and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to release its flavor.
5
Add the torn pieces of rustic white bread into the sauce, mixing well to coat them in the oil and spices.
6
Carefully pour in the chicken stock, stirring to combine the ingredients thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil.
7
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 8 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8
Gradually pour in the beaten eggs while gently stirring with a spatula, ensuring the eggs create long, delicate strands as they cook.
9
Let the soup simmer for an additional 2 minutes, then season with salt to taste.
10
Before serving, sprinkle the chopped flat-leaf parsley over the soup for a fresh finish and enjoy warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Spanish Garlic Soup?
Authentic Spanish Garlic Soup, also known as Sopa de Ajo, is a traditional Castilian dish made with garlic, bread, paprika, and eggs in a flavorful broth.
What are the primary ingredients in Sopa de Ajo?
The main ingredients include extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, white wine, Spanish sweet paprika, rustic white bread, chicken stock, eggs, salt, and flat-leaf parsley.
How do I create the egg strands in the soup?
To create delicate strands, gradually pour beaten eggs into the simmering soup while gently stirring with a spatula.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
A rustic white bread is recommended. Be sure to remove the crusts and tear the bread into small pieces before adding it to the soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, although the traditional recipe uses chicken stock, you can easily substitute it with vegetable stock to make the dish vegetarian.
How long does it take to cook the garlic?
The sliced garlic should be sautéed for about 1 minute until it turns golden brown and becomes fragrant.
What is the purpose of adding white wine?
White wine adds depth of flavor and acidity; it is simmered for about 30 seconds to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
What type of paprika should I use?
Spanish sweet paprika (Pimentón Dulce) is used to provide a vibrant color and a mild, smoky sweetness without heat.
How long should the soup simmer after adding the stock?
The soup should simmer for 8 minutes after adding the chicken stock to allow the bread to soften and flavors to meld.
Is this recipe difficult for beginners?
No, it is considered an easy recipe that utilizes simple techniques like sautéing and simmering.
What is the final garnish for this garlic soup?
The soup is finished with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped flat-leaf parsley for a fresh flavor and color contrast.
Why do I need to remove the crust from the bread?
Removing the crust ensures the bread softens evenly and integrates better into the broth, creating the characteristic rustic texture.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 6 garlic cloves, which are peeled and sliced.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
For an authentic Sopa de Ajo, fresh garlic is essential as it provides the primary flavor profile and texture that powder cannot replicate.
How do I prevent the paprika from burning?
Stir the paprika constantly for only about one minute after adding it to the oil to release its flavor without letting it turn bitter or burn.
What is the texture of the bread in the soup?
The rustic bread absorbs the broth and becomes very soft, thickening the soup and giving it a hearty, comforting consistency.
Is this a traditional Spanish dish?
Yes, it is a staple of Spanish cuisine, specifically associated with the Castile region.
At what temperature should I cook the garlic?
The garlic should be sautéed over medium heat in extra virgin olive oil until it is shimmering but not smoking.
Can I add other spices to the soup?
While the traditional recipe focuses on paprika and garlic, some variations include a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 large eggs which are beaten before being added to the soup.
When should I add the salt?
Salt should be added to taste during the final 2 minutes of simmering after the eggs have been incorporated.
What kind of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended, specifically a Spanish variety to maintain the authentic flavor profile.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
The soup is best served fresh, as the bread continues to absorb liquid over time, which may change the consistency.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; however, you may need to add a splash of stock when reheating if it thickens too much.
What makes this soup a 'comfort food'?
Its warm broth, hearty bread, and savory garlic profile make it an ideal dish for cold weather or when seeking a simple, satisfying meal.
Is this soup served as an appetizer or a main course?
It is versatile and can be served either as a unique appetizer for a gathering or as a light, cozy weeknight dinner.
How do I ensure the egg strands are long and delicate?
By pouring the beaten eggs in a very thin stream and stirring gently in one direction with a spatula.
What type of parsley should I use?
Flat-leaf parsley (also known as Italian parsley) is preferred for its superior flavor compared to curly parsley.
How much chicken stock is needed?
The recipe requires 1 quart of chicken stock.
Can I use store-bought bread?
Yes, as long as it is a rustic-style white bread with a good crumb, store-bought options work perfectly.