Description
This traditional Spanish Garlic Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish made with sautéed garlic and onions, simmered in chicken broth with smoky paprika, thyme, and cubes of day-old bread. Eggs are gently poached in the soup to add richness, then garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a hearty yet simple meal, this soup balances robust garlic flavor with creamy texture and a touch of freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 10 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 slices day-old bread, cubed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step develops the base flavor of the soup.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the thinly sliced garlic cloves and cook gently for 2-3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown to prevent bitterness.
- Season Soup Base: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and dried thyme, stirring to evenly coat the garlic and onions. This adds depth and smoky undertones to the soup.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for a couple of minutes to marry the flavors.
- Incorporate Bread: Add the cubed day-old bread to the pot and continue simmering for about 10 minutes. The bread will absorb the broth and begin to break down, thickening the soup naturally.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and black pepper according to your preference to balance the flavors.
- Poach the Eggs: Crack the eggs into the gently simmering soup one at a time. Let them poach for 3 to 4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks remain slightly runny, adding richness and texture.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm for the best flavor and comfort.
Notes
- Use stale or day-old bread to achieve the best texture, as fresh bread may become too mushy.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust the quantity of garlic based on your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
