Sopa de Ajo (Spanish Garlic Soup) Recipe
Sopa de Ajo, or Spanish Garlic Soup, is a comforting and flavorful traditional Spanish soup made with garlic, stale bread, smoked paprika, and a rich broth. This easy-to-make soup is enriched with delicate egg ribbons, creating a warming and hearty meal perfect for chilly days or a simple yet elegant appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 8 to 10 large cloves garlic, very thinly sliced
- 4 ounces stale bread, torn or thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (pimentón)
- 6 to 7 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth
- 4 large eggs, whisked
- Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the garlic and bread: Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and just golden. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much. Stir in the smoked paprika. Add the bread and toss to coat evenly in the garlic oil. Continue to cook for another 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in 6 cups of chicken stock and stir to combine. Use a wooden spoon to break the bread into smaller pieces as it softens. Bring the soup to a strong simmer.
- Add the eggs: While stirring the soup in a slow, circular motion to create a whirlpool, gradually pour in the whisked eggs. Continue stirring gently to form delicate egg ribbons throughout the soup.
- Season and adjust: If a thinner consistency is preferred, add up to 1 additional cup of stock. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and more smoked paprika if desired.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy immediately, while hot and fragrant.
Notes
- Use stale bread for better texture; day-old rustic bread works best.
- Adjust the amount of smoked paprika to taste for mild or smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian option: use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Whisk the eggs thoroughly before adding to ensure smooth ribbons.
Keywords: Sopa de Ajo, Spanish Garlic Soup, garlic soup, traditional Spanish recipe, smoked paprika soup, bread soup, easy Spanish soup
