Best Basque Garlic Soup Recipes

BASQUE POTATO AND GREEN BEAN SOUP WITH GARLIC

Steps:

• Place the potatoes, one tablespoon of salt and the water in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cover and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are nearly soft through, about 15 minutes. Add the green beans and cook, uncovered, until they start to turn tender and lose their bright green color, about 15 minutes.
• While the beans and potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the sliced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown, about five to eight minutes. Remove from the heat and reserve.
• When the beans and potatoes are cooked, add the garlic and olive oil to the soup and stir. Season to taste with salt and pepper, if desired, and serve immediately.

BASQUE GARLIC AND BREAD SOUP ( SOPA DE AJO)

Steps:

• In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the garlic, and fry it, stirring with a wooden spoon, for 2 to 3 minutes, until it is golden.
• Take care the garlic does not burn.
• Add the bread, and turn it several times so that it absorbs the oil.
• Sprinkle it with the paprika, and toss well.
• Add the water or broth, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring, until the soup is heated through and well blended and the bread has absorbed much of the liquid.
• Season to taste with salt and, if you like, the pepper flakes.
• Just before serving the soup, crack the eggs, and slide them onto the surface of the soup, taking care not to break the yolks.
• Let the eggs cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until they are set.
• Serve the soup by spooning it gently into shallow bowls, allowing 1 egg per serving.

BASQUE GARLIC SOUP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°F. Place baguette on a baking sheet, and toast in preheated oven until very browned and almost burnt, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool. Break or slice bread into 2-inch pieces.
• Heat 7 tablespoons oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add bread pieces, and reduce heat to medium. Cook, turning often to allow bread to toast and soak up oil, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove bread, and set aside. Wipe pot clean.
• Add garlic and remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pot. Cook over medium-high, stirring constantly, until garlic is golden brown, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir in paprika. Add broth and salt; bring to a boil.
• Add bread to pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, and maintain a simmer. Add vinegar. Cook, stirring occasionally to break up bread, until flavors meld, about 25 minutes. Taste and add more salt, if needed.
• When ready to serve, bring soup to a simmer over medium-high. Stirring constantly, slowly pour beaten eggs into hot soup. If any large pieces of bread remain, cut with kitchen scissors, or break apart with a spoon. Serve hot.