Ajo Blanco

Ajo Blanco: Cold Soup with Almonds and Garlic

Imagine a scorching summer day, when the sun is shining brightly, and you crave something refreshing and flavorful. Ajo blanco, or "white garlic," is the perfect solution. This cold soup, made with almond milk, garlic, bread, olive oil, and a splash of vinegar, is a true delicacy with deep roots in the culinary tradition of the Iberian Peninsula. With a velvety texture and a sweet-sour taste, ajo blanco will instantly transport you to the gastronomic universe of the Mediterranean.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 230 grams of raw almonds
- 160 grams of old bread (preferably homemade)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 125 ml of extra virgin olive oil
- 125 ml of red wine vinegar
- 15 white grapes
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- Pepper, to taste
- A pinch of chili (optional)

Step by step: Your guide to a perfect Ajo Blanco

Step 1: Preparing the almonds
Start by preparing your almonds. Place them in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Cover with a lid and let them sit for 10 minutes. This step will make it easier to remove the skins.

Step 2: Removing the skins
After 10 minutes, drain the almonds and transfer them to another bowl with very cold water. Let them sit there for 7 minutes. This "blanching" method will allow the skins to come off easily. After soaking in cold water, drain the almonds and remove the skin. You will notice that the almonds now look white and shiny.

Step 3: Preparing the bread
While the almonds are cooling, take the old bread and soak it in water for 3 minutes. This will help achieve a fine texture in the soup. After soaking, gently squeeze it to remove excess water.

Step 4: Blending the ingredients
In a blender, add the almonds, drained bread, and peeled garlic cloves. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. If necessary, add a little water to help with the blending process.

Step 5: Adding oil and vinegar
While the blender is running, gradually pour in the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and the required salt. Continue blending until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 6: Adjusting the consistency
Add about 600 ml of very cold water to the blender. Blend everything until you achieve a fine, white, and velvety emulsion with a yogurt-like consistency. Finally, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings by adding salt, pepper, vinegar, or chili, to your preference.

Step 7: Chilling the soup
Transfer the resulting soup to a container and cover it with a lid. Let it chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours. This step is essential, as ajo blanco must be served extremely cold to reveal all its flavors.

Step 8: Serving
When you are ready to serve, take the soup out of the refrigerator. Chop the white grapes in half and arrange them beautifully in serving bowls. Pour the cold soup over them, and if desired, add a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Practical tips:

- Choosing almonds: Opt for raw, unsalted almonds without additives. Roasted almonds can add a different flavor and will not provide that sense of freshness and delicacy.

- Old bread: Use homemade bread or a baguette that has been left to dry. Fresh bread will not have the same ability to integrate into the soup.

- Vinegar: Red wine vinegar provides a pleasant acidity, but you can also experiment with white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar to achieve different flavor nuances.

- Chili: If you like a touch of spice, feel free to add chili. This will balance the sweetness of the soup with a hint of heat.

Nutritional values:
Ajo blanco is a healthy soup, rich in healthy fats from olive oil and protein from almonds. It is also a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. A serving of ajo blanco has about 350 calories, depending on the amount of oil added. It is an excellent choice for a light meal or as an appetizer.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use roasted almonds?
While you can use roasted almonds, the taste will be different, and the soup will not have the same freshness.

2. How can I make ajo blanco vegan?
This recipe is already vegan, thanks to the ingredients used. Just make sure the bread does not contain animal-derived ingredients.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add a flavorful note.

Delicious variations:
Ajo blanco can be customized according to your preferences. Try adding a splash of lemon juice for a citrusy note, or you can replace the grapes with diced cucumber or tomatoes for a crunchy texture.

Serving suggestion:
Serve ajo blanco alongside a tomato salad with red onion and olives for a complete and tasty meal. Also, a glass of dry white wine pairs perfectly with this refreshing soup.

In conclusion, ajo blanco is not just a soup, but a culinary experience that blends tradition with innovation. It is a simple recipe to prepare, but with a big impact on flavor. Dare to impress your family and friends with this refreshing delicacy, ideal for hot summer days!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for 4 servings: 230 grams of raw almonds, 160 grams of stale bread, 2 cloves of garlic, 125 ml of extra virgin olive oil, 125 ml of red wine vinegar, 15 white grapes, 2 teaspoons of salt, pepper, a pinch of chili.