Ajoblanco facts for kids
Ajoblanco served with grapes
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| Alternative names | Ajo blanco, white gazpacho |
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| Course | Appetiser |
| Place of origin | Spain |
| Region or state | Andalusia |
| Serving temperature | Cold |
| Main ingredients | Bread, almonds, garlic, water, olive oil |
Ajoblanco (also called ajo blanco) is a yummy cold soup from Spain. It's very popular in the Andalusia region, especially in cities like Granada and Málaga. People sometimes call it "white gazpacho" because it's also a cold soup, but it looks white!
This special soup is made from simple ingredients. It has bread, crushed almonds, garlic, water, olive oil, and salt. Sometimes, a little vinegar is added too. Ajoblanco is often served with fresh grapes or slices of melon. Long ago, if almonds were hard to find, people would use flour made from dried beans instead.
There's also a similar dish from Extremadura, another part of Spain. This version is a bit different. It uses egg yolk along with water, olive oil, garlic, and bread. It usually doesn't have almonds. Sometimes, vegetables like tomatoes or cucumbers might be added to it.
Contents
The History of Ajoblanco
Ajoblanco has a very old history! It started with the Romans. They brought their cooking styles to the Iberian Peninsula, which is where Spain is today. Over time, this Roman dish changed and became a traditional food in Andalucía.
How Ajoblanco is Made
Making ajoblanco is like a cool science experiment!
- First, hard bread is soaked in water overnight. This makes it soft.
- Next, the almonds and garlic are crushed together. This is often done with a mortar and pestle, which is a tool for grinding things. Sometimes, a bit of vinegar is mixed in too. This makes a smooth, white paste.
- Finally, water and olive oil are slowly added. The mixture is beaten until it becomes creamy and smooth, like a thick drink. This creamy texture is called an emulsion.
How to Enjoy Ajoblanco
Ajoblanco is a refreshing dish, especially on a warm day!
- In some parts of Granada, people drink ajoblanco with a baked potato. The soup is made thinner so it can be sipped from a glass.
- In Málaga, ajoblanco is usually served with sweet Muscat grapes. Sometimes, other fresh fruits like apple or melon are used. Chefs are even trying new fruit combinations with ajoblanco today!
Ajoblanco Festival
Ajoblanco is so loved that it has its own festival! Every year, on September 2nd, the town of Almáchar in Málaga celebrates ajoblanco. It's a fun way to enjoy this special soup and learn about its history.
See also
In Spanish: Ajoblanco para niños
