Traditional Spanish Garlic Soup with Toasted Bread and Poached Egg
Sopa de Ajo with rich garlic flavor, crispy bread, and a poached egg in about 40 minutes.
About This Recipe
This Traditional Spanish Garlic Soup, or Sopa de Ajo, features bold garlic flavor, crispy bread, and a perfectly poached egg. The magic happens when the hot broth melds with the softened bread.
Sopa de Ajo is a classic Spanish dish that warms you up with its rich garlic flavor and hearty ingredients. The defining technique here is the sautéing of garlic until golden, which infuses the oil with a deep, aromatic essence.
By sautéing the garlic first, we release its oils and create a fragrant base for the soup. Keep an eye on the garlic; it can turn bitter if overcooked. The bread adds body and texture, soaking in that garlicky goodness.
Expect a comforting bowl of soup with a lovely balance of flavors. The common pitfall is undercooking the eggs; they should be just set with a runny yolk that adds richness to the dish.
Serve the soup hot, with a poached egg nestled on top and garnished with fresh parsley. A side of crusty bread pairs beautifully for dipping.
Why This Recipe Works
Golden Garlic Infusion: Sautéing garlic until golden releases its natural oils, creating a rich, aromatic base.
Soaked Bread Absorbs Flavor: Adding stale bread allows it to soak up the soup and adds a comforting texture.
Runny Egg Yolk Enriches Soup: The poached egg adds creaminess and depth, enhancing every spoonful.
Chef's Pro Tip: For perfectly poached eggs, keep the water at a gentle simmer and swirl it lightly before adding the eggs.
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
40 min
Servings
Ingredients
Handy tools while you cook
Directions
- 1
Peel and finely slice the garlic cloves. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 2
Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 3-4 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- 3
Stir in the smoked paprika and cook for another minute. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
- 4
Add the stale bread to the pot and let it soak for about 5 minutes until softened.
- 5
While the bread soaks, poach the eggs. Fill a separate saucepan with water and bring to a gentle simmer.
- 6
Crack each egg into a small bowl, then gently slide into the simmering water. Cook for about 3 minutes.
- 7
Once the eggs are set, use a slotted spoon to remove them. Season the soup with salt to taste.
- 8
Serve the soup in bowls, topping each with a poached egg and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
fat
18g
carbs
30g
fiber
2g
sodium
600mg
protein
15g
calories
320
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