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Ajo Blanco

Spanish · Starter · Easy

Ajo Blanco

Total
1 hr 25 min
Prep
1 hr 25 min
Serves
6
Calories
330
Jump to recipe

Chilled almonds, bread and olive oil blend into a silky Spanish soup, brightened with vinegar and raw garlic. Sweet grapes soften its sharp edge.

Bread gives Ajo Blanco a smooth body without cream, while almonds supply a mellow richness. Blend thoroughly and let the soup chill so the garlic and vinegar settle into the mixture instead of tasting separate.

Blanched almonds keep the color pale and the texture fine. Start with a small garlic clove; its flavor grows more noticeable as the soup rests. A few cool grapes on top provide welcome sweetness.

CreamyGarlickyTangyNo CookMake AheadSummerVeganVegetarianDairy-freeEgg-free

Method

  1. Tear the white bread into a bowl and pour over 1 1/2 cups water. Soak for until the bread is soft throughout.

  2. Reserve 1 tbsp almonds for garnish. Blend the rest with the garlic and remaining water until very finely ground, stopping to scrape the sides of the blender.

  3. Add the soaked bread and its water, vinegar and salt. Blend until silky, then drizzle in 3 tbsp olive oil with the motor running to make a smooth, creamy soup.

  4. Cover and refrigerate for until thoroughly cold. Stir, divide among six bowls and top with the grapes, reserved almonds, remaining olive oil and black pepper.

Forkue tips

  • Choose a plain white loaf made without milk or eggs to keep the soup dairy-free and egg-free.
  • A high-speed blender gives the smoothest result; with a standard blender, pause to scrape down and blend again before chilling.

Storing and reheating

Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving cold, adding a little cold water if the bread has thickened it. Add grapes and reserved almonds only when serving.

Kitchen gear

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Nutrition per serving, estimated

330Calories
9gProtein
24gCarbs
23gFat

Ajo Blanco: FAQ

Can I use skin-on almonds?

You can, but the soup will be darker and slightly grainier. Blanched almonds are worth using when you want a pale, smooth finish.

Why is the garlic overpowering?

Raw garlic varies in strength. Use a small clove and remove any green shoot; chilling mellows the immediate bite but does not erase too much garlic.

How do I store and reheat Ajo Blanco?

Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving cold, adding a little cold water if the bread has thickened it. Add grapes and reserved almonds only when serving.

How long does Ajo Blanco take?

About 1 hr 25 min in total: 1 hr 25 min prep and 0 min cooking.

What do I need to make Ajo Blanco?

The key ingredients are white bread, almonds, garlic, red wine vinegar and green grapes, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Ajo Blanco?

Choose a plain white loaf made without milk or eggs to keep the soup dairy-free and egg-free.

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