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Sopa de Ajo (Spanish Garlic Soup) Recipe

4.4 from 574 reviews

Sopa de Ajo, also known as Spanish Garlic Soup, is a comforting and flavorful traditional dish made with garlic, stale bread, smoked paprika, and broth. This rustic soup features delicate egg ribbons created by slowly stirring in whisked eggs, resulting in a warm, fragrant, and savory meal perfect for cooler days or whenever you need a bowl of soothing nourishment.

Ingredients

Scale

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, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. 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, being 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 cooking for another 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy immediately, while hot and fragrant.

Notes

  • Use stale bread to ensure it absorbs the broth well without becoming too mushy.
  • Be careful not to burn the garlic; sauté until just golden for best flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of smoked paprika according to your taste preferences for smokiness and heat.
  • The gradual addition of eggs while stirring gently creates the distinctive egg ribbons, adding texture and richness.
  • This soup can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

Keywords: Sopa de Ajo, Spanish Garlic Soup, Garlic Soup, Spanish Soup, Traditional Spanish Recipe, Comfort Food, Egg Ribbon Soup