This is a very traditional Spanish soup from the Castillian region. It does not look great, but the taste is wonderful. A quick starter for a winter day - and for no money at all.
You need:
2 cloves of garlic (chopped very thinly)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
500 ml of hot water
2 table spoons olive oil
some stale bread
1 egg
25 gr o Spanish or Parma ham cut into little cubes (this is optional)
salt
Put the olive oil on a pan with the garlic and heat it over medium heat. If you are using the Serrano ham add the ham now and let it fry for a couple of minutes. When the garlic is about to become golden (2 minutes maximum) add the paprika. Let is fry for 10 seconds and add the water and the salt. As soon as the soup starts to boil, let it simmer for 3-5 minutes and then take it off the heat. Beat the egg and pour it slowly over the soup while stirring constantly. Then add the stale bread. We do not like the bread too soft, but if you prefer it this way you can let the soup and bread simmer for another 5 minutes.
The children can help with all of it. Mine dislike the smell of garlic on their hands. If they touch the garlic put their hands under the cold water tap and let the water run while asking them not to rub their hands. The smell should go within seconds.
