Description
Sopa de Ajo is a classic Spanish garlic soup known for its comforting and cozy flavors. Made with simple ingredients like garlic, stale bread, smoked paprika, and eggs, this easy-to-make soup comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers a warm, hearty meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 8 to 10 large cloves garlic, very thinly sliced
- 4 ounces stale bread, thinly sliced or torn into pieces
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 6 to 7 cups chicken stock (or vegetable broth)
- fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
Eggs
- 4 large eggs, whisked
Instructions
- Sauté the garlic and bread: Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to overcook or burn the garlic. Stir in the smoked paprika to combine. Add the stale bread pieces and toss them to coat evenly with the garlic oil. Continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Simmer: Pour in 6 cups of chicken stock and stir to combine, breaking up the bread with a wooden spoon into your preferred size. Bring the soup to a rapid simmer over medium heat.
- Add the eggs: Create a gentle whirlpool in the simmering soup by stirring with one hand using a wooden spoon. Slowly pour the whisked eggs into the center of the whirlpool while continuing to stir gently, which will form delicate egg ribbons throughout the soup.
- Season: If you prefer a thinner soup, add the remaining 1 cup of stock. Taste and season with fine sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and additional smoked paprika if desired to enhance the flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your warm and comforting sopa de ajo!
Notes
- Bread: Use a plain bread such as a basic baguette for authentic texture and flavor; stale bread works best as it soaks up the broth while maintaining some structure.
- Smoked Paprika: Ensure your smoked paprika is fresh to bring vibrant smoky flavor and color to the soup.
- Eggs: For a variation, you may use poached eggs instead of whisked egg ribbons for a different texture; see related notes in the recipe post.
