Good morning friends!

This soup called Sopa De Ajo (pronounced Aho), is a Cuban Garlic Soup which originated in Spain. This is my mother's version. Many recipes call for a beaten egg dropped in the soup and others call for ham. This is a vegetarian or even vegan version. It is very simple to make and very healthy. Great for when you have a cold! It calls for homemade bread croutons added when serving. I made the croutons with my recipe for Garlic Bread Loaf. If you are vegan, just skip the part of brushing with the egg white mixture in the bread recipe.

Ingredients:

20 Garlic Cloves, minced

2 Tbs chopped Fresh Parsley

3 Cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil

4 Qts Water

1 tbs. Smoked Paprika

Salt and Pepper to taste

4 Two inch slices of Garlic Bread Loaf or any other crusty bread

Cut bread slices into 2” cubes.

In a large soup pot, heat 1 cup of the olive oil. Place the bread cubes in the oil and stir until they start to toast. Remove from oil and set aside.

Pour the rest of the oil in the soup pot along with the water, minced garlic, parsley, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to medium, cover and let is simmer for about 45 minutes.

When ready, pour into soup bowls and add the croutons (the more the better!)

Enjoy!