Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 8 to 10 large cloves garlic, very thinly sliced
- 4 ounces stale bread, thinly sliced or torn into pieces
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 6 to 7 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth
Eggs
- 4 large eggs, whisked
Seasoning
- Fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté the garlic and bread: Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to overcook it. Stir in the smoked paprika, then add the bread pieces and toss until evenly coated with the garlic oil. Continue cooking for 3 more minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Simmer: Pour in 6 cups of chicken stock and stir to combine, using a wooden spoon to break up the bread into your preferred size. Bring the soup to a rapid simmer and let it cook, allowing the bread to soften and enrich the broth.
- Add the eggs: Stir the soup gently in a circular motion with one hand to create a slow whirlpool. Slowly pour the whisked eggs into the soup while continuing the stirring, which will create delicate egg ribbons throughout the soup.
- Season: If you prefer a brothier soup, add the extra 1 cup of stock now. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning by adding fine sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and additional smoked paprika if desired.
- Serve: Serve the soup immediately while hot, enjoying the rich flavors and comforting texture.
Notes
- Using stale bread is traditional as it soaks up the broth better without disintegrating.
- Smoked paprika adds signature depth, but sweet or hot paprika can be used as alternatives.
- Vegetarian variation can be made by using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
- Whisking eggs and pouring slowly while stirring creates the classic egg ribbons.
- Monitor garlic carefully while sautéing to avoid burning, which can make the soup bitter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
