Salmorejo, a lesser-known but undeniably delightful tomato-based chilled soup from Spain, is a culinary gem that deserves more recognition.
While it may have fewer ingredients than its more famous counterpart, gazpacho, it certainly doesn’t lack in flavor.
One of the distinguishing features of salmorejo is the addition of a savory ham and hard-cooked egg topping, which elevates the taste experience to new heights.
During our visit to Seville, we had the pleasure of sampling a version of salmorejo that boasted a luxuriously thick consistency, reminiscent of a delectable crudités dip.
Despite its richness, the soup remained refreshingly light and silky, with a vibrant flavor profile that harmonized beautifully with the salty ham and creamy egg.
It was truly a culinary masterpiece, showcasing the brilliance of simplicity and the transformative power of quality ingredients.
In our book “Tuesday Nights Mediterranean,” which showcases a collection of weeknight-friendly meals inspired by the Mediterranean region, we have included a recipe for salmorejo that captures the essence of this traditional Spanish dish.
Our preferred choice for tomatoes is peak-season, perfectly ripe ones, as they impart an unparalleled sweetness and depth of flavor.
However, we understand that not everyone has access to such tomatoes year-round. In that case, Campari or cocktail tomatoes can be a suitable alternative, as they consistently offer a pleasant sweetness regardless of the season.
Whether you choose to enjoy salmorejo as a refreshing appetizer or as a light main course, it is sure to impress and transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched streets of Spain.
In order to achieve excellent results in cooking, it is crucial to pay attention to every ingredient used, including the choice of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil.
The oil you select should not have any bitter or harsh notes, as these characteristics can significantly impact the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Additionally, the addition of bread plays a vital role in thickening the soup and giving it a creamy consistency. It is recommended to opt for a crusty, country-style loaf that has a relatively soft interior.
This type of bread will easily blend into the soup, enhancing its texture and taste. However, it is important to remember to remove the crust before incorporating the bread into the recipe.
By meticulously selecting the right oil and bread, you can elevate the quality of your soup and achieve a truly exceptional culinary experience.
In culinary arts, the addition of a teaspoon of sugar to a tomato-based dish is often employed to enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
Similarly, a few tablespoons of sherry vinegar can be utilized to effectively balance the richness of olive oil, resulting in a harmonious and well-rounded flavor profile.
When it comes to serving chilled soups, a helpful tip is to refrigerate the serving bowls beforehand in order to maintain the desired temperature for as long as possible.
Additionally, it is crucial to remember to taste the soup for seasoning after it has been chilled, just before serving.
This is because the chilling process can dull the flavors, and therefore, even if the soup tasted adequately seasoned initially, it will likely require additional salt and pepper after being chilled.
This attention to detail ensures that the soup is perfectly seasoned and delivers an exceptional dining experience.
Andalusian Tomato and Bread Soup
This recipe for a refreshing and flavorful tomato gazpacho is a quick and easy option for a light meal or appetizer.
With a total preparation time of just 15 minutes, plus chilling, it is a convenient choice for those who are short on time.
This recipe yields four servings, making it ideal for a small gathering or for leftovers. To begin, you will need 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes, ensuring they are properly cored.
Additionally, 2½ ounces of country-style white bread, with the crust removed and torn into small pieces, will be required.
Half of a medium-sized red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped, as well as one medium garlic clove, smashed and peeled, will contribute to the savory flavors of this dish.
To balance the flavors, add one teaspoon of white sugar and three tablespoons of sherry vinegar, with the option to include more for serving.
Season the gazpacho with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. The recipe calls for ¾ cup plus one tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, with the option to add more for serving.
To enhance the dish further, incorporate four thin slices of prosciutto, totaling two ounces, torn into pieces. If desired, quartered hard-cooked eggs can be added as well.
Finally, garnish the gazpacho with a quarter cup of finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley. Enjoy this delightful and refreshing gazpacho as a starter or a light lunch option.
To prepare a refreshing and delightful tomato gazpacho, start by gathering the necessary ingredients: tomatoes, bread, bell pepper, garlic, sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and oil.
Begin the process by placing the tomatoes, bread, bell pepper, garlic, sugar, vinegar, and a teaspoon each of salt and pepper into a blender.
With precision and care, blend the ingredients on high until a smooth and homogeneous mixture is achieved, ensuring that no remnants of tomato skins remain.
This process should take approximately one minute. As the blender continues to run, gradually incorporate ¾ cup of oil, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
Once the desired consistency is achieved, transfer the mixture to a spacious bowl, taking a moment to savor the aroma that fills the room.
At this point, it is crucial to taste the gazpacho and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
Once satisfied with the flavor profile, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator, allowing the gazpacho to chill and develop its flavors for a period of two to four hours.
This step is essential, as it allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a harmonious and refreshing gazpacho that is sure to tantalize the taste buds.
During the process of chilling the soup, it is recommended to utilize a 12-inch nonstick skillet and heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat until it reaches a shimmering state.
Following this, the prosciutto should be added to the skillet and cooked, with occasional stirring, until it becomes crisp, which typically takes around 2 minutes.
Once the desired level of crispness has been achieved, it is essential to transfer the prosciutto to a plate lined with paper towels in order to absorb any excess oil.
It is crucial to allow the prosciutto to cool completely before proceeding to roughly chop it. This step is important as it aids in achieving the desired texture and consistency.
Once chopped, the prosciutto can be set aside and utilized as required in the subsequent steps of the recipe.
In order to fully appreciate the flavors of the soup, it is recommended to taste it first and then adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper accordingly.
Once the desired taste is achieved, proceed to ladle the soup into chilled bowls, ensuring that each serving is filled with the rich and savory broth.
To enhance the presentation and add a delightful touch to the dish, top each bowl with thinly sliced prosciutto, which will contribute a delicate and smoky flavor to the overall experience.
For those who prefer a heartier option, a hard-cooked egg can be added as well, providing a satisfying texture and an additional layer of taste.
To add a pop of freshness and a vibrant touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top of the soup. Finally, for those who enjoy a hint of tanginess, drizzle some extra oil and vinegar over the soup, allowing each spoonful to be enriched with a burst of flavors.
By following these steps, one can truly savor the soup in all its glory, appreciating the balance of tastes and the careful combination of ingredients that make it a truly delightful culinary experience.