Ajo Blanco Con Cerezas, or Chilled Spanish White Garlic Soup with Cherries, is a delightful and refreshing cold soup that originates from the Andalusian region of Spain. This soup is known for its unique combination of flavors and textures, blending the richness of almonds and garlic with the sweetness of cherries. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what it is, its history, components, preparation steps, and the time needed to prepare it:
What is Ajo Blanco Con Cerezas:
Ajo Blanco Con Cerezas is a traditional Spanish soup that offers a delightful contrast of flavors and temperatures. It’s a cold soup that is typically served in the hot summer months to provide relief from the heat. The primary ingredients include almonds, garlic, white bread, olive oil, vinegar, and, of course, cherries. It’s a wonderful example of Andalusian cuisine.
History:
This dish has a long history in Spain, dating back centuries. The use of almonds, garlic, and bread in soups can be traced to Moorish influences on Spanish cuisine during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Over time, various regional variations of cold soups developed, and Ajo Blanco Con Cerezas is one such adaptation, with the addition of cherries adding a unique twist.
Components:
The key components of Ajo Blanco Con Cerezas include:
- Almonds: Typically blanched almonds are used in the soup. They provide creaminess and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are used to give the soup its characteristic garlic flavor.
- White Bread: Stale white bread is used to thicken the soup and give it body.
- Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil is essential for both flavor and richness.
- Vinegar: White wine vinegar or sherry vinegar is used to add acidity and balance the flavors.
- Cherries: Fresh, ripe cherries are pitted and added to the soup for sweetness and a burst of color.
- Water: Used to adjust the soup’s consistency to your liking.
- Salt: To season the soup.
Steps to Prepare Ajo Blanco Con Cerezas:
- Soak Almonds: Begin by soaking the blanched almonds in water for a few hours or overnight. This softens them and makes them easier to blend.
- Prepare the Bread: Remove the crust from the white bread and soak it in water until it’s soft.
- Blend: In a blender, combine the soaked almonds, soaked bread, garlic cloves, olive oil, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Blend until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Add water gradually to achieve your desired soup consistency.
- Chill: Transfer the soup to the refrigerator and let it chill for a few hours, or even overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to become cold.
- Prepare Cherries: Pit the cherries and set them aside.
- Serve: When ready to serve, ladle the chilled soup into bowls and top it with fresh cherries.
- Drizzle: Optionally, drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top for added richness.
Time Needed to Prepare:
The time needed to prepare Ajo Blanco Con Cerezas can vary, but here’s a rough estimate:
- Soaking time for almonds: Several hours or overnight
- Preparation and blending: 15-20 minutes
- Chilling time: 2-4 hours
- Assembling and serving: 10 minutes
In total, you can expect to spend around 3-5 hours to prepare this delightful Spanish chilled garlic and cherry soup. However, most of this time is inactive, allowing you to do other things while the soup chills and the flavors develop. Enjoy this unique and refreshing dish on a hot summer day!
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Ajo Blanco Con Cerezas – Chilled Spanish White Garlic Soup:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Sugars: 5-8 grams
- Protein: 4-6 grams
- Sodium: 300-400 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
Health Information:
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Healthy Fats: Ajo Blanco Con Cerezas contains heart-healthy fats primarily from almonds and olive oil. These fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that can help improve cholesterol levels.
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Protein: While this soup is not a significant source of protein, the almonds do contribute some protein content. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health.
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Fiber: The soup contains dietary fiber from almonds and bread, which can aid in digestion and promote a feeling of fullness.
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Low Cholesterol: This soup is naturally low in cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy option.
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Antioxidants: Cherries are a rich source of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory and potential health benefits.
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Low Sodium: The sodium content can be controlled during preparation, making it suitable for those watching their sodium intake.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Ajo Blanco Con Cerezas provides essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium from almonds, as well as vitamin C and various phytonutrients from cherries.
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Garlic Benefits: Garlic is known for its potential health benefits, including immune system support and cardiovascular health. It also adds flavor to the soup without the need for excessive salt.
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Hydration: The water content in the soup contributes to hydration, especially important on hot days.
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Calorie Range: The calorie content may vary depending on the portion size and the amount of olive oil used. Using less olive oil can reduce the calorie count.
It’s important to note that the exact nutrition content may vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used. Ajo Blanco Con Cerezas is a nutritious and flavorful dish, and it can be a part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
