Imagine a dish that transforms humble ingredients into a symphony of flavor that will transport you straight to the rustic kitchens of Spain. Castilian Garlic Soup is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that promises to comfort your soul and tantalize your taste buds with its rich, aromatic essence. This centuries-old Spanish classic turns simple garlic, bread, and broth into a magical meal that will make you fall in love with traditional cooking all over again.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 cloves of garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 slices of stale bread
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 cloves of garlic, 4 cups of chicken broth, 4 slices of stale bread, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt to taste, and olive oil for drizzling.
- Peel the garlic cloves and slice them thinly. This will help to release their flavor as they cook.
- In a large saucepan, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced garlic and sauté it gently. Stir frequently to ensure the garlic does not burn; you want it to turn golden and fragrant, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the garlic is golden, add 4 cups of chicken broth to the saucepan. Increase the heat to bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
- While the broth is heating, prepare the stale bread. Cut the slices into cubes or tear them into bite-sized pieces. You can toast them lightly in a separate pan with a little olive oil if you prefer a crunchier texture.
- Once the broth is simmering, add 1 teaspoon of paprika and salt to taste. Stir to combine the flavors and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the eggs. In a small bowl, crack the 2 large eggs and beat them lightly.
- After the soup has simmered for 10 minutes, slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the soup while stirring gently. This will create delicate strands of egg throughout the soup.
- Add the prepared bread pieces to the soup, stirring gently to combine. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, letting the bread soak up the flavors.
- Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or paprika if needed.
- To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle a little olive oil on top. Enjoy your Castilian Style Garlic Soup warm, garnished with additional paprika if desired.
Tips
- Use stale bread for authenticity - it absorbs flavors better and provides the perfect texture.
- Slice garlic thinly and sauté gently to release maximum flavor without burning.
- Control your heat when adding eggs - drizzle slowly and stir gently to create delicate egg strands.
- Choose a good quality chicken broth or make your own for deeper flavor.
- Don't rush the simmering process - allow time for flavors to develop and meld together.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of white wine during the garlic sautéing stage.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
- Experiment with garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra paprika for added depth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
