Spanish Almond Soup
Try this lovely nutritious recipe for Spanish Almond Soup. It is full of all those things
that make the Mediterranean Diet one of the healthiest in the world. This dish is yet
another example of why the Mediterranean Diet is proving to be one of the healthiest
in the world. Not only are almonds rich in vitamin E and magnesium they are also full
of phytochemicals which help to protect the body against degenerative diseases such as
cancer and heart disease. Almonds have also been shown to lower cholesterol levels and
help the body to block the absorbtion of fats and carbohydrates thus helping to control obesity.
Spanish Almond Soup is traditionally served in Spain as a first course at Christmas but it is delightful served at any time of the year. There are many regional variations of it and this one hails from Granada and has a slight reminder of it's Moorish past in the hint of cumin.
Ingredients.
50 ml olive oil
400gms. almonds, blanched.
2 cloves of garlic.
1/4 tsp. cumin.
1/4tsp. saffron.
4 slices bread, diced
10 peppercorns.
1 and a half litres chicken broth.
1tsp. vinegar.
Sea salt to taste.
Chopped parsley to garnish.
Method.
Heat the oil and toast the almonds, garlic, bread and saffron. When golden brown
set a few of the croutons aside to garnish then blend the rest in a blender along with the peppercorns, cumin and salt. Add a little of the broth and the vinegar to purée. Heat the rest of the broth then stir in the puréed almond mixture and bring to the boil. Simmer genlyfor 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, then serve hot garnished with the parsley and reserved croutons.
By Ruth Polak the owner of
www.costadelsol-vacationrentals.com A web site specializing in holiday villas and apartments on the Costa del Sol and in Rural Andalucia. You will also find a wealth of information about Spain and Andalucia, in particular.
|
|
