Delicious Ajo Blanco Recipe You Need to Try Today

Ajo blanco is a refreshing cold soup from southern Spain, perfect for warm days when you want something light but full of flavor. I absolutely fall in love with this soup when I visited Malaga, Spain. This traditional Andalusian dish combines simple ingredients like almonds, garlic, bread, and olive oil to create a creamy, nutty, and slightly tangy soup that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. If you haven’t tried ajo blanco yet, this recipe will guide you through making it at home with tips to get the best texture and taste.

Ajo blanco soup served with mango sorbet and nuts

What Is Ajo Blanco?

Ajo blanco translates to "white garlic" in Spanish. Unlike the more famous gazpacho, which uses tomatoes, ajo blanco is made without any red vegetables. Instead, it relies on soaked bread, blanched almonds, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and water. The result is a smooth, pale soup with a subtle garlic punch balanced by the sweetness of almonds and the acidity of vinegar.

This dish dates back to the Moorish influence in Spain and remains popular in Andalusia, especially during summer. Traditionally, it’s served cold and often accompanied by green grapes or melon, which add a fresh contrast to the creamy soup.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make authentic ajo blanco, gather these simple ingredients:

• 1 cup blanched almonds (skin removed)

• 3 cloves garlic (for kid friendly version, 1 clove is enough)

• 2 slices of stale white bread (crusts removed)

• 2 cups cold water

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoons sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar

• Salt to taste

• Mango Sorbet (optional)

  
  

Using stale bread is key because it absorbs the liquid better without becoming too mushy. Blanched almonds give the soup its creamy texture and nutty flavor. The vinegar adds brightness, while olive oil provides richness.

Step-by-Step Ajo Blanco Recipe

Follow these steps to prepare ajo blanco:

1. Soak the bread and almonds

   Place the bread slices in a bowl with about 1 cup of water and let them soak for 10 minutes. Soak the almonds separately in warm water for 15 minutes if they are not already blanched.

   
   

2. Blend the base ingredients

   In a blender, combine the soaked bread (squeeze out excess water), almonds, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until you get a smooth paste.

   
   

3. Add liquids gradually

   With the blender running, slowly pour in the olive oil and vinegar. Then add the remaining cold water little by little until the soup reaches your desired consistency. It should be creamy but pourable.

   
   

4. Adjust seasoning

   Taste the soup and add more salt or vinegar if needed. Some prefer a stronger garlic flavor, so add more garlic if you like.

   
   

5. Chill before serving

   Refrigerate the ajo blanco for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to become refreshingly cold.

   
   

6. Serve with garnish

   Pour the soup into bowls and top with halved green grapes or small melon cubes. The fruit adds a sweet contrast that complements the nutty soup perfectly.

   
   

Tips for the Best Ajo Blanco

• Use good quality olive oil: Since olive oil is a main ingredient, its flavor will shine through. Choose a fruity, extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.

• Peel almonds if needed: If you buy raw almonds with skins, blanch them by boiling for 1 minute, then peel off the skins for a smoother texture.

• Adjust garlic carefully: Garlic can overpower the soup. Start with less and add more after blending if you want a stronger flavor.

• Experiment with vinegar: Sherry vinegar is traditional, but white wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar can work well.

• Serve very cold: Ajo blanco tastes best chilled. Keep it in the fridge until serving and consider adding ice cubes if serving outdoors.

  
  

Ajo blanco soup with home-made sourdough bread

Variations and Serving Ideas

Ajo blanco is versatile and can be adapted to your taste or what you have on hand:

• Add grapes: For extra freshness, serve with some fresh grapes

• Make it vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, making it a great option for plant-based diets.

• Serve as a starter or light meal: Pair ajo blanco with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

  
  

Why You Should Try Ajo Blanco

This soup is a great way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful dish that requires no cooking. It’s packed with healthy fats from almonds and olive oil, plus the garlic adds antioxidants. Ajo blanco is also naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free bread, making it accessible for many diets.