Salmorejo is a traditional, refreshing Spanish cold soup from the Andalusia region, made with just a few simple ingredients: fresh tomatoes, bread, garlic, and olive oil. It’s a creamy, thick soup that’s perfect for hot summer days. Often topped with hard-boiled eggs and diced serrano ham, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious, making it a staple of Spanish cuisine.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound (about 4-5) ripe plum tomatoes

• 1/2 baguette or 2 slices of stale white bread (grated into fine breadcrumbs)

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (Hojiblanca olive oil recommended)

• 2-3 cloves garlic, halved and de-seeded

• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar (optional, to taste)

• Salt, to taste

• Optional garnishes: hard-boiled eggs (diced white and yolk), diced serrano ham

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the tomatoes and removing the seeds if desired. Grate the bread into fine crumbs, or break it up into smaller pieces.

2. Blend the Soup: In a blender, add the tomatoes, grated bread, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. While blending, gradually add the olive oil for a creamy consistency.

3. Adjust the Consistency: If the soup is too thick, you can add a small amount of cold water to achieve your desired texture.

4. Season: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt if necessary. If the soup has a bitter taste, add a small amount of sherry vinegar to balance the flavors.

5. Chill: Transfer the soup to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Serve: Serve chilled, topped with diced hard-boiled eggs and serrano ham, if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.

Nutrients (per 100ml serving)

• Calories: 434 kcal

• Fat: 37.1g

  • Saturated Fat: 5.4g

• Protein: 4.9g

• Carbs: 24.8g

  • Dietary Fiber: 2.5g

  • Sugars: 6.6g

Why Salmorejo is a Classic Dish

Salmorejo is a staple of Spanish cuisine due to its simplicity and vibrant flavors. The combination of ripe tomatoes and olive oil brings a natural sweetness and richness, while the bread adds body and thickness to the soup, making it more filling. Garlic gives the soup an aromatic depth, and the olive oil contributes a smooth, luxurious mouthfeel. The dish is naturally vegan but can be elevated with the addition of traditional garnishes like hard-boiled eggs and serrano ham. These toppings not only add flavor but also texture, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

Preparing the Ingredients

To make Salmorejo, begin by preparing the fresh ingredients. Ripe plum tomatoes are essential for the best flavor, so look for tomatoes that are sweet and juicy. Chop the tomatoes into smaller pieces and remove the seeds if you prefer a smoother soup, although leaving the seeds in will add additional flavor. The bread used in Salmorejo is typically stale, which helps absorb the liquid and thicken the soup. Grate or tear the bread into fine crumbs to ensure it blends well into the soup.

Garlic is another essential ingredient. Halve the garlic cloves and remove the seeds to avoid any bitterness. The extra virgin olive oil, preferably Hojiblanca olive oil for its mild, fruity flavor, is added to provide richness and creaminess. Lastly, a touch of salt is needed to season the soup, and if you like, you can add a small amount of sherry vinegar for a hint of acidity to balance the flavors.

Blending the Soup

Once the ingredients are prepared, it’s time to blend the soup. Place the chopped tomatoes, grated bread, garlic, and a pinch of salt into a blender. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. As you blend, slowly add the olive oil to incorporate it into the soup, which helps create the rich, velvety consistency that Salmorejo is known for. The soup should be thick and creamy, but if it’s too thick for your liking, you can add a small amount of cold water to adjust the texture.

Adjusting the Flavor

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the soup tastes too sweet or lacks depth, a small splash of sherry vinegar can help balance the flavors and give the soup a little zing. You can also add more salt to enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and ensure the soup is properly seasoned. The beauty of Salmorejo is that it’s customizable to your taste, so feel free to make small adjustments as you go.

Chilling the Soup

For the best flavor, it’s important to chill Salmorejo for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and makes the soup even more refreshing when served. The cold temperature also enhances the smooth, creamy texture, making it even more satisfying. Salmorejo can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal dish for meal prep or entertaining.

Serving Salmorejo

Once the Salmorejo has chilled and the flavors have developed, it’s ready to be served. Traditionally, Salmorejo is topped with diced hard-boiled eggs and serrano ham for extra flavor and texture. The richness of the eggs and the salty, savory ham complement the creamy, tangy soup beautifully. For an extra touch, garnish the soup with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for added color and a burst of freshness. Serve the soup with additional lemon wedges on the side for a hint of citrusy brightness if desired.

Nutritional Information

Salmorejo is a nutrient-dense dish that is rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making it both a satisfying and nourishing meal. A typical 100ml serving contains 434 calories, with 37.1g of fat, primarily from the olive oil, which provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The soup also contains 4.9g of protein, primarily from the bread and garnishes. With 24.8g of carbohydrates, including 2.5g of dietary fiber, Salmorejo is a balanced dish that provides energy and sustenance.

The 6.6g of sugars in the soup come naturally from the tomatoes and honey, offering a light sweetness without added sugars. Although the soup is rich in fat, the olive oil provides healthy fats that support heart health. The addition of hard-boiled eggs and serrano ham also contributes essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and additional protein.

Conclusion

Salmorejo is the perfect dish for warm weather, offering a refreshing and satisfying option for a light meal or appetizer. With its creamy, rich texture and vibrant tomato flavor, it’s a simple yet indulgent dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences. The addition of hard-boiled eggs and serrano ham makes it both filling and nutritious, while the chilled temperature makes it ideal for summer dining. Whether you’re making it for a casual meal or serving it at a dinner party, Salmorejo is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that brings the taste of Andalusia to your table.