Sopa de Ajo

The first time I traveled to Spain was in the winter of 2003-2004. My family and I explored Andalucia taking in the culture, the sights and the tastes.

Unfortunately in 2003/2004 I was 15 and had a very unsophisticated palette. While my family feasted on Spanish culinary delights, I stuck to the basics. One of these basics was Sopa de Ajo--garlic soup. I love garlic, as does my family. It's always been a staple so it's no surprise I took to Sopa de Ajo quickly and pretty much stuck with it at every restaurant we went to.

{Alhambra in Granada with the sister; December 2003.}

Luckily, what my parents always told me as a picky-eater child--"your tastes will change as you grow!"--proved true. Now I will try anything and enjoy most types of food. Seriously, sometimes I'm amazed at how far I've come. Guys, I used to hate mustard and parmesian cheese. Who hates parmesian cheese? I love ALL cheese!

My parents are coming to visit in March and one of the things I'm most excited about, ranking just below seeing them for the first time in 6 months and traveling, is eating with them. I really haven't tried anything here that I haven't liked and I've tried a lot of things! I think it will be such a fun change from our last time together in Spain.

(Ok, pate. I don't like pate. And Spaniards seem to eat it ALL the time.)

{Royal Palace in Madrid with Jen and Mom; January 2004.}

Anyway, I woke up sick again today. That's 3 times in 3 months. My immune system was clearly not prepared to work with children. This time I'm barely even fazed by it. I'm just chugging tea (although I really always do that) and tonight I made a big pot of Sopa de Ajo. It's really good for your immune system! And I never really need an excuse to cook anything that calls for lots of garlic.

These pictures are unrelated to the post but they're from Spain and I can't upload anything new. The post is a sort of unrelated to the post. Maybe I shouldn't write when my mind is hazy and my thoughts are distracted because I can't remember finishing my cup of tea but I must've cause now it's empty...

I think I'll have some more garlic soup.

Buen fin de semana, amigos.

EDIT

In my clearer state of mind it occured to me that maybe I should post the recipe for this delicious soup in case anyone ever wants to try it. Except that I sort of combined a few recipes and really I just improv in the kitchen, so I will type up how I do it and hopefully it'll work for you

Garlic--you choose the amount. Recipes say 4 cloves. I added about 8 BIG cloves. I love garlic.

Meat based broth. I use chicken bouillon and add it to the...

1 Quart of water

Half a loaf of French bread. I like for it to be slightly stale.

3 eggs

Ok, so I sautee the crushed garlic in a little bit of hot oil until golden. Then I add the 4 cups of broth to a large pot with the garlic and bring to a boil. Once it's boiled, put the temperature on low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, I cut the bread into rounds and then cut those in half (I just prefer this size, you can adjust) and then toast them with oil in a pan. Also, beat the eggs together. After the soup has simmered for about 20 minutes you remove it from the heat and immediately stir in the egg. (It appears kind of like egg drop soup.) Now I throw a few of the toasted rounds in the bottom of the bowl and serve the soup on top, but you could add them later or just dip them if you don't like the soggy texture.

It's super easy and delicious. Let me know if you try it out!