Andalusian Tomato and Bread Soup

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic 2 cloves of garlic
• 150 g (5.3 oz) stale bread, crust removed 150 g (5.3 oz) stale bread, crust removed
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil 60 ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) red wine vinegar 30 ml (2 tbsp) red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cucumber, diced (for garnish) 1/2 cucumber, diced (for garnish)
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced (for garnish) 1/2 green bell pepper, diced (for garnish)
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (for garnish) 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 10g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped tomatoes, garlic, stale bread, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. 2.
   Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
3. 3.
   Transfer the soup to a large bowl or individual serving bowls. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Before serving, garnish the soup with diced cucumber, green bell pepper, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Stale bread — If you don't have stale bread on hand, you can lightly toast fresh bread and let it cool before using it in the recipe. This will help achieve the desired texture and prevent the soup from becoming too soggy.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoother texture, you can strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve before refrigerating.
• Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, use only one clove of garlic.
• To enhance the flavors, you can add a pinch of cumin or paprika to the soup.
• If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to the soup before blending.
• This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to develop. Consider making it in advance for a quick and refreshing meal.

Serving advice

Serve Andalusian Tomato and Bread Soup chilled as a refreshing appetizer or light lunch. It pairs well with a crusty baguette or garlic bread.

Presentation advice

When serving the soup, make sure to garnish it with a generous amount of diced cucumber, green bell pepper, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the flavors and textures of the dish.