Sopa de Ajo – Traditional Spanish Garlic Soup Recipe

Welcome to a Cozy Garlic Bread Soup!

Hello, friends! Today, I’m super excited to share a deliciously unique recipe for garlic bread soup. Isn’t that just the most comforting thought? Imagine a warm bowl of garlicky goodness, mixed with the delightful texture of bread and a hint of smoky paprika. This dish is not only easy to make but will also make your kitchen smell incredible! Plus, it’s a great way to use up stale bread, and we all love a good hack, right?

Nutritional Benefits

Now, let’s talk about why this soup is not just tasty but also good for you. Garlic is a superstar when it comes to health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants and has been linked to supporting heart health and boosting the immune system. The olive oil offers healthy fats, and using broth—either chicken or vegetable—adds depth and richness to your soup without too many extra calories. Plus, the bread adds carbohydrates to keep you energized. It’s a nice balance of comfort and nourishment!

Adaptable Variations

What I love most about this garlic bread soup is how flexible it can be! Here are a few ideas to make this soup your own:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread or skip the bread altogether for a lighter, broth-based soup. You can still enjoy the garlicky essence with a few veggies added in.
• Spicier Soup: If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you stir in the paprika.
• Veggies Galore: You can throw in some spinach or kale for an extra nutrient punch! Just add it towards the end so it stays fresh and vibrant.

Garlic Bread Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 6-8 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1½ teaspoons sweet or smoked paprika
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 4-5 cups stale white bread, torn into pieces
• 2-3 large eggs
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Optional: 1-2 teaspoons sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar
• Additional slices of bread for toasting and topping

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. The smell will be heavenly!
2. Add the sliced garlic and gently sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Just be careful not to burn it—no one likes burnt garlic!
3. Quickly stir in the paprika, letting it cook for about 30 seconds. This will enhance the flavor and aroma even more.
4. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the torn stale bread pieces. Stir well to combine all those lovely flavors.
5. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. This will help the bread soak up all that delicious broth and thicken the soup—give it a gentle stir now and then.
6. Season your soup with salt and pepper. If you want a little zing, add sherry or white wine vinegar to brighten it up.
7. Crack the eggs one at a time into a small bowl, gently sliding each one into the simmering soup. Let them poach for 3-5 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks are still creamy and runny.
8. While those eggs are cooking, toast your extra slices of bread in a pan or oven until golden and crispy—nothing beats that crunch!
9. Ladle the warm soup into bowls, placing 1-2 toasted bread slices on top. Finish it off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.

Practical & Valuable Tips

• Don’t rush the garlic—you want it to be golden, not brown. Timing is everything!
• If your broth is too salty, balance it with a bit of vinegar, which adds nice acidity and enhanced flavor.
• This soup is best served fresh but can be made ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently. If the soup thickens too much, you can add a splash of water when reheating.

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this garlicky delight:

• A large saucepan
• A cutting board and knife for slicing garlic and tearing bread
• A mixing spoon for stirring
• A ladle for serving
• A small bowl for cracking eggs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh bread instead of stale? Yes, but stale bread works best to give the soup some texture. Fresh bread might become mushy too quickly.
2. Is this soup vegetarian? You can make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting the eggs if you prefer!
3. What if my soup is too thick? Simply stir in a bit more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Can leftovers be reheated? Absolutely! Just gently reheat it on the stove, adding a little broth or water if necessary.
5. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

I’m really looking forward to hearing how your garlic bread soup turns out! Did you make any tasty variations? Share your experiences with me, and let’s connect over Pinterest for more warm and comforting recipes that warm the heart just as much as they do the belly!