Sopa de Ajo (Basque Garlic Soup) Recipe
By Johnny Wang
Source: https://gaslandchef.com/blogs/news/sopa-de-ajo-basque-garlic-soup-recipe
Ingredients 4 ounces high-quality baguette 1/2 cup olive oil, divided 1 garlic head (about 12 cloves), peeled and finely chopped 1 heaping tablespoon Pimentón de la Vera (smoked Spanish paprika) 8 cups homemade or low-sodium chicken broth 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar 3 large eggs, beaten Directions Preheat oven to 450°F. Place baguette on a baking sheet, and toast in preheated oven until very browned and almost burnt, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool. Break or slice bread into 2-inch pieces. Heat 7 tablespoons oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add bread pieces, and reduce heat to medium. Cook, turning often to allow bread to toast and soak up oil, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove bread, and set aside. Wipe pot clean. Add garlic and remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pot. Cook over medium-high, stirring constantly, until garlic is golden brown, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir in paprika. Add broth and salt; bring to a boil. Add bread to pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, and maintain a simmer. Add vinegar. Cook, stirring occasionally to break up bread, until flavors meld, about 25 minutes. Taste and add more salt, if needed. When ready to serve, bring soup to a simmer over medium-high. Stirring constantly, slowly pour beaten eggs into hot soup. If any large pieces of bread remain, cut with kitchen scissors, or break apart with a spoon. Serve hot. Notes Soup can be prepared through step 4 up to 2 days in advance. Bring to a simmer, and add beaten eggs just before serving. Suggested Pairing Lightly sparkling, appley Txakoli.