Chilled Garlic Almond Soup with Grape Garnish
Dive into the refreshing flavors of this Chilled Garlic Almond Soup, a traditional Spanish delight known as Sopa Ajo Blanco. Perfect for hot summer days, this creamy yet light soup is packed with the nutty taste of blanched almonds and the robust flavor of garlic, all brought together by a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The addition of juicy green grapes provides a delightful burst of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory base. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to impress your guests, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or a nourishing lunch at home. Just remember to allow time for refrigeration to develop its full flavor! (Serves 4-6)
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian bread, day old
6.5 ounces (soaked and squeezed dry)
Whole blanched almonds
1 cup (use as is)
Garlic cloves
3-4 (chopped)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (drizzle into mixture)
Sherry wine or white wine vinegar
1/3 cup (use as is)
Vegetable stock
1.25 cups (use as is)
Extra olive oil
2 tablespoons (for frying croutons)
Italian bread, crust removed
3 ounces (cut into cubes)
Small green grapes
8 ounces (washed and left whole)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the day-old Italian bread in a bowl of cold water for about 5 minutes. After soaking, gently squeeze out any excess liquid, being careful not to tear the bread.
2
In a food processor, combine the soaked bread, whole blanched almonds, and chopped garlic. Pulse until finely ground and well mixed.
3
With the processor running, gradually add the extra virgin olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Continue blending until the mixture reaches a smooth, thick consistency similar to mayonnaise.
4
Slowly incorporate the sherry wine (or white wine vinegar) and vegetable stock. Blend for an additional minute, seasoning with salt to taste. Adjust the thickness with more stock or water if desired.
5
Transfer the soup to a container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.
6
Just before serving, heat the extra olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cut the reserved Italian bread into 1/2 inch cubes, then toss them in the hot oil, cooking until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
7
Serve the chilled soup in bowls, garnishing each with plump green grapes and the homemade croutons for added texture and flavor. Enjoy your refreshing and deliciously simple Spanish cold soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Garlic Almond Soup?
Chilled Garlic Almond Soup, traditionally known as Sopa Ajo Blanco, is a refreshing Spanish cold soup made with almonds, garlic, bread, and olive oil.
What is the Spanish name for this soup?
The traditional Spanish name for this chilled garlic and almond soup is Sopa Ajo Blanco.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include day-old Italian bread, whole blanched almonds, garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, sherry wine or white wine vinegar, vegetable stock, and green grapes.
How do I prepare the bread for the soup base?
Soak 6.5 ounces of day-old Italian bread in cold water for 5 minutes, then gently squeeze out the excess liquid before blending.
What kind of almonds are best for Sopa Ajo Blanco?
Whole blanched almonds are used to ensure a smooth, creamy texture and a white color.
How do I achieve a creamy consistency?
Gradually add extra virgin olive oil in a slow, steady stream while the food processor is running to create a thick, mayonnaise-like emulsion.
Can I substitute sherry wine?
Yes, if you do not have sherry wine, you can use white wine vinegar as a substitute for the acidic component.
How long should the soup be refrigerated?
The soup should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.
What is the traditional garnish for this soup?
It is traditionally garnished with plump green grapes and homemade croutons for a mix of sweetness and crunch.
How do I make the homemade croutons?
Fry 3 ounces of cubed, crustless Italian bread in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until golden brown and crispy.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This soup is a 'cold soup' specifically designed to be served chilled, making it ideal for summer.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like almonds, bread, and vegetable stock.
Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes, this soup is vegetarian as it contains no meat or animal by-products.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe serves between 4 to 6 people.
How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?
You can adjust the thickness by adding more or less vegetable stock or water during the blending process.
What type of bread is recommended?
Day-old Italian bread is recommended because its drier texture absorbs the water and blends better than fresh bread.
Do I need to peel the garlic?
Yes, the garlic cloves should be peeled and chopped before being added to the food processor.
What role do almonds play in the recipe?
Almonds provide the nutty flavor base and contribute to the creamy, rich texture of the soup.
Can I use red grapes instead of green?
While green grapes are traditional for their color and tart-sweet balance, red grapes can be used if desired.
Should I remove the crust from the bread?
The crust should be removed for the bread cubes used to make croutons; for the soup base, the day-old bread is typically used after soaking.
What kitchen equipment is required?
You will need a food processor or blender, a mixing bowl for soaking bread, and a frying pan for the croutons.
Is this soup gluten-free?
As written with Italian bread, it contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free bread substitute.
When should I add the garnish?
Add the green grapes and croutons just before serving to maintain the texture of the croutons and the freshness of the fruit.
Why is the oil added slowly?
Adding oil slowly while blending creates an emulsion, which gives the soup its characteristic creamy and stable body.
Is Sopa Ajo Blanco a healthy choice?
Yes, it is considered healthy as it is packed with heart-healthy fats from olive oil and almonds, along with fresh garlic.
Can I use water instead of vegetable stock?
Yes, water can be used to thin the soup, though vegetable stock adds more depth of flavor.
What is the flavor profile of this soup?
The soup is savory and nutty with a robust garlic kick, balanced by the sweetness of the grape garnish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Do I need to cook any part of the soup base?
No, the soup base itself is raw and blended; only the croutons require cooking in a frying pan.
Can this be served as a meal?
It is excellent as a refreshing lunch or as an appetizer for a larger gathering.