Spanish Bread Soup

Spanish Bread Soup Recipe - Authentic Spanish Cuisine

Region / culture: Spain | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spanish Bread Soup, also known as Sopa de Ajo, is a traditional Spanish dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal. This soup is made with simple ingredients like onions, garlic, tomatoes, chickpeas, spinach, and herbed croutons, all simmered together in a savory vegetable broth. The addition of saffron adds a unique and aromatic flavor to the dish.

History

Sopa de Ajo has been a staple in Spanish cuisine for centuries. It is a humble dish that was created as a way to use up stale bread and other pantry staples. The soup was traditionally made by laborers and farmers who needed a filling and nutritious meal to sustain them throughout the day. Over time, the recipe has evolved and been adapted to include different ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

1 cup chopped onions
1 tsp minced garlic
4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
2.5 cups diced canned tomatoes, undrained
19 oz (539 g) drained and rinsed chickpeas
10 oz (283 g) fresh spinach, stems removed and chopped
3 cups herbed croutons (or croutons of your choice)
0.25 tsp saffron (soup will taste different without it)
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to prepare

Heat a large non-stick skillet. Remove from heat and spray with cooking oil.
Return the skillet to medium heat.
Add onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is soft. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Add croutons and cook until golden, tossing gently.
Remove from heat.
Put the broth into a large pot and heat slowly.
In a blender, place half of the croutons and half a cup of tomatoes. Pulse until coarsely ground and add to the broth. Repeat with the remaining croutons and half a cup of tomatoes.
Add the rest of the tomatoes, spinach, chickpeas, and saffron. Cook, stirring occasionally.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
Use different types of beans or lentils instead of chickpeas.
Add diced potatoes or carrots for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use low sodium vegetable broth to control the saltiness of the soup.

- Toasting the croutons in a skillet before adding them to the soup adds a delicious crunch and depth of flavor.

- For a richer flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil before adding them to the soup.

- Adjust the amount of saffron to your taste preference, as it can be a strong flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spanish Bread Soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Blending half of the croutons and tomatoes before adding them to the soup creates a thicker and more flavorful base.

- Simmering the soup slowly allows the flavors to meld together and develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.

- Substitute kale or Swiss chard for the spinach.

- Use any type of bread for the croutons, such as whole wheat or sourdough.

Make Ahead Tips

The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Spanish Bread Soup in individual bowls, garnished with a sprig of fresh thyme or a sprinkle of paprika. Pair it with a glass of Spanish red wine for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp green salad, a side of crusty bread, or a simple cheese plate. For a heartier meal, serve it with grilled chicken or fish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 10g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 3g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 10g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 80%

- Vitamin C: 30%

- Calcium: 15%

- Iron: 20%

Alergens

Contains wheat (from croutons)

Summary

This Spanish Bread Soup is a nutritious and filling dish that is high in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Spanish Bread Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy meal. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this soup is a great option for a nutritious and satisfying dinner. Enjoy the rich flavors of onions, garlic, tomatoes, chickpeas, and spinach, all simmered together in a savory vegetable broth. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Spanish Bread Soup. It was given to me by my dear friend Maria, who had learned it from her grandmother who was from Spain. Maria had raved about how comforting and delicious the soup was, and I knew I had to try it for myself.

I have always had a love for cooking, ever since I was a young girl watching my own grandmother in the kitchen. She would effortlessly whip up the most delicious meals with ingredients she had grown in her own garden. I learned so much from her, and as I grew older, I began to experiment with different recipes and techniques on my own.

When Maria handed me the recipe for Spanish Bread Soup, I could see the excitement in her eyes. She explained to me how it was a traditional dish in her family, and how she had fond memories of her grandmother making it for her when she was a child. The recipe was simple, yet the combination of flavors sounded so intriguing.

I decided to make the soup for my family that weekend. I gathered all the ingredients - stale bread, olive oil, garlic, paprika, broth, and eggs - and set to work in the kitchen. As I chopped the garlic and toasted the bread, the aromas that filled the air were intoxicating.

Once the soup was ready, I ladled it into bowls and topped it with a poached egg. The rich broth soaked into the bread, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. I served it to my family with a side of crusty bread and a simple salad.

As we sat around the table, savoring each spoonful of the soup, I could see the smiles on my family's faces. They loved it just as much as I did. The flavors were so comforting and familiar, yet unlike anything we had ever tasted before.

From that day on, Spanish Bread Soup became a regular dish in our household. I would make it on chilly days when we needed something warm and nourishing. It became a go-to recipe for me, and I would often make extra so that we could enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors who all raved about it. I even entered it into a local cooking competition and won first place. The judges were impressed with the simplicity and depth of flavor in the soup, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had mastered a traditional dish from a different culture.

As I look back on that day when Maria first gave me the recipe for Spanish Bread Soup, I am filled with gratitude. It was through her generosity and love for her own heritage that I discovered a new favorite dish that has since become a staple in my own kitchen.

I am forever grateful for the lessons I have learned through cooking, and for the way in which food has the power to bring people together. Every time I make Spanish Bread Soup, I am reminded of the connection I have to my own family and to the traditions that have been passed down through generations.

So here's to Maria, her grandmother, and the countless others who have shared their recipes and stories with me over the years. I am forever grateful for the love and nourishment that food brings into my life, and I will continue to cook with passion and joy for as long as I am able. And I will always remember the sense of anticipation I felt that day when I first saw the recipe for Spanish Bread Soup.