Chef John's Spanish Garlic Soup (Sopa de Ajo)
Experience the rustic charm of Spain with this soul-warming garlic soup, a symphony of flavors featuring toasted bread, fragrant garlic, smoked paprika, and savory ham, crowned with perfectly poached eggs in a vibrant, brick-red broth. This is breakfast, lunch, and dinner combined into one unforgettable bowl.
Nutrition
-
Carbohydrate
34 g
-
Cholesterol
201 mg
-
Fiber
2 g
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Protein
17 g
-
Saturated Fat
5 g
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Sodium
2073 mg
-
Sugar
3 g
-
Fat
27 g
-
Unsaturated Fat
0 g
DIRECTIONS
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01 Step
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
02 Step
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Spread French bread cubes onto the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil; gently toss to coat evenly. (Prep time: 2 minutes)
03 Step
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Bake in the preheated oven until the bread is crispy and lightly browned, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Keep a close watch to prevent burning. (Bake time: 15-20 minutes)
04 Step
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While the bread is toasting, heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. (Prep time: 2 minutes)
05 Step
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Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until just golden and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter. (Cook time: 1-2 minutes)
06 Step
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Add the diced ham and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 1 minute. (Cook time: 1 minute)
07 Step
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Stir in the smoked paprika and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld. (Cook time: 1 minute)
08 Step
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Add the toasted bread cubes to the pot and toss to coat them thoroughly with the flavorful oil mixture. (Prep time: 1 minute)
09 Step
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Pour in the chicken broth, add the cayenne pepper (if using), and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine. (Prep time: 2 minutes)
10 Step
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Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. (Cook time: 5 minutes)
11 Step
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Carefully crack each egg into a small bowl or cup. Use a spoon to create four shallow depressions in the bread on top of the soup. Gently pour an egg into each depression. (Prep time: 3 minutes)
12 Step
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Cover the pot with a lid and cook until the egg whites are firm and the yolks are still runny, about 2 to 3 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on your preference for yolk doneness. (Cook time: 2-3 minutes)
13 Step
Recipe View
Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving includes a poached egg. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors of Spanish garlic soup!
For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
Adjust the amount of smoked paprika to your preference; some varieties are more potent than others.
If you don't have French bread, you can use any crusty bread such as Italian or sourdough.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth.
A drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving enhances the flavor.
RECIPE REVIEWS
Avarage Rating:
4.6/ 5 ( 71 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (8)
Ebba Feest
Jun 18, 2025I've made this soup several times, and it's always a hit. - Ashley
Barney Yundt
Mar 14, 2025So easy to make and full of flavor. I highly recommend this recipe. - Chris
Amelie Kutch
Feb 3, 2025This soup is so comforting and flavorful! I made it on a cold night, and it was perfect. - Sarah
Eloise Tillman
Jan 14, 2025I was skeptical about the eggs, but they make the soup so rich and delicious. Will definitely make again! - David
Vincenzo Mcglynn
Dec 7, 2024I added some chopped chorizo for extra spice, and it was amazing! - Maria
Frederique Glover
Mar 30, 2024I used gluten-free bread, and it worked great! - Jessica
Miller Kautzer
Oct 18, 2023My family loved this soup. It's become a regular in our rotation. - Michael
Newell Windler
Oct 10, 2023The key is not to burn the garlic! I learned that the hard way. - Emily