World Flavors Cookbook

Sopa Castellana

Castile's legendary garlic soup — stale bread, paprika, serrano ham, and egg poached in broth. Warming, rustic, magnificent.

Cuisine: Spain

Ingredients

• 4 thick slices stale bread
• 6 cloves garlic, sliced
• 100g jamón serrano, diced
• 1.5L chicken or meat broth
• 2 tsp sweet paprika
• 4 eggs
• 5 tbsp olive oil
• Salt

Instructions

1. Fry garlic slices in olive oil until golden. Add jamón and stir briefly.
2. Add paprika and stir immediately (do not burn).
3. Add bread slices, toss to coat.
4. Pour in broth. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring until bread softens.
5. Crack eggs into the soup. Poach until whites are set.
6. Serve piping hot in the same pot or cazuela.