Spanish Garlic Soup with Smoked Paprika and Egg Ribbons Recipe
Introduction
Spanish Garlic Soup is a warm and comforting dish that highlights the simple yet robust flavors of garlic and smoked paprika. Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup offers cozy satisfaction in every spoonful. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful and nourishing meal.

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (high-quality extra virgin for best taste)
- 8-10 cloves garlic (very thinly sliced)
- 4 ounces stale bread (torn or thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (substitute regular for milder flavor)
- 6-7 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth (for richness or vegetarian option)
- 4 large eggs (whisked)
- Sea salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, then add the torn stale bread. Sauté together for another 3 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Step 3: Pour in 6 to 7 cups of chicken stock or vegetable broth, breaking up the bread as you add the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Create a whirlpool in the soup by stirring, then slowly pour in the whisked eggs while continuously stirring to form delicate egg ribbons throughout the soup.
- Step 5: Season the soup with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency by adding more stock if needed, and add extra smoked paprika if you prefer a stronger smoky flavor.
- Step 6: Ladle the soup into warm bowls and serve hot. Optionally, drizzle with a little olive oil and garnish with fresh parsley for added freshness.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old or stale bread to achieve the best texture as it soaks up the broth without becoming mushy.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
- If you like a spicier soup, add a pinch of smoked cayenne or red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
- Fresh parsley or chives added as a garnish will brighten the flavors nicely.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the eggs from overcooking and becoming rubbery. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, to make it vegan, use vegetable broth and omit the eggs or substitute with a vegan egg replacer or silken tofu for added texture.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Stale rustic bread such as a baguette or country loaf works best because it soaks up the broth well without falling apart completely, giving the soup a hearty texture.
PrintSpanish Garlic Soup with Smoked Paprika and Egg Ribbons Recipe
This Spanish Garlic Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the richness of toasted garlic, smoky paprika, and hearty stale bread simmered in chicken or vegetable broth. Finished with delicate ribbons of whisked eggs, it’s a cozy, easy-to-make soup perfect for warming up any day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (high-quality extra virgin for best taste)
- 8–10 cloves Garlic (very thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika (substitute regular for milder flavor)
- 4 ounces Stale Bread (torn or thinly sliced)
- 6–7 cups Chicken Stock or Vegetable Broth (for richness or vegetarian option)
Finishing Touches
- 4 large Eggs (whisked)
- Sea Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- Olive Oil (for drizzling, optional)
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil and Sauté Garlic: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the very thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant but not browned, to release their flavor gently.
- Add Paprika and Bread: Stir in 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika thoroughly into the garlic oil, then add 4 ounces of torn or thinly sliced stale bread. Sauté the mixture for another 3 minutes to toast the bread and infuse it with smoky garlic flavors.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in 6 to 7 cups of chicken stock or vegetable broth, breaking up the stale bread as you add. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the bread to soften and thicken the soup.
- Create the Egg Ribbons: Stir the simmering soup to create a whirlpool effect, then slowly pour in the 4 whisked eggs while continuously stirring. This will form delicate egg ribbons throughout the soup for added texture and protein.
- Season and Adjust: Season the soup with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency by adding more stock if desired, and add extra smoked paprika if you prefer a stronger smoky flavor.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into warm bowls and serve hot. Optionally, drizzle some extra olive oil on top and garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Use stale bread as it absorbs the broth better and adds authentic texture.
- Substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
- Adjust the amount of smoked paprika according to your spice preference.
- Ensure garlic is cooked gently to avoid bitterness.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or crusty bread for dipping.
Keywords: Spanish garlic soup, garlic soup, smoked paprika soup, stovetop soup, cozy soup, easy soup recipe, vegetarian Spanish recipe

