Ajo Blanco Recipe: White Gazpacho Spanish Chill Almond Soup
Ajo Blanco recipe is a refreshing Spanish cold soup made with almonds, garlic, bread, and olive oil. Often called “white gazpacho,” this creamy dish has a smooth texture and a rich, nutty taste. Traditionally served chilled, it pairs wonderfully with grapes or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
This ajo blanco recipe is simple yet full of flavor, making it a perfect choice for warm days. It can also be served as an ajo blanco dip or a light sauce for seafood. Whether you try it as a classic dish or a modern twist like ajo blanco with fish, it’s a delightful way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors.
You can also try Japanese Katsu Curry Sauce Recipe.
Ajo Blanco Recipe: White Gazpacho Spanish Chill Almond Soup
Ajo Blanco Recipe – Traditional Spanish Chilled Almond Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw blanched almonds
- 2 cups cold water
- 2 slices of stale white bread (crust removed)
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ cup green grapes (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons crushed almonds (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Soak the Bread – In a bowl, soak the stale bread in a little water for a few minutes until soft. Squeeze out excess water and set aside.
- Blend the Ingredients – In a blender, combine almonds, soaked bread, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and half of the cold water. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency – Add the remaining water slowly while blending until you reach your desired thickness. The soup should be smooth and slightly thick.
- Chill the Soup – Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
- Serve and Garnish – Pour the chilled soup into bowls and garnish with fresh green grapes and crushed almonds. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil for a rich finish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy Ajo Blanco with fish for a delicious Mediterranean pairing.
- Serve as an Ajo Blanco dip with crusty bread or fresh veggies.
- For a vegan Ajo Blanco, ensure the bread is plant-based.
This traditional Ajo Blanco recipe is a refreshing and elegant dish, perfect for warm days. Try it as a starter, dip, or light meal!
Ingredients
Note
Recipe Notes
- Best Texture Tip: For an ultra-smooth Ajo Blanco, blend the soup for at least 1-2 minutes, then strain it through a fine mesh sieve. This removes any almond bits, giving it a creamy finish.
- Serving Temperature: Ajo Blanco tastes best when well-chilled. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving.
- Garnish Ideas: Traditional toppings include green grapes and crushed almonds, but you can also try toasted pine nuts, chopped cucumber, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a twist.
How to Make a Vegan Ajo Blanco
Ajo Blanco is almost naturally vegan, but traditional recipes sometimes include bread made with dairy-based ingredients. To make a 100% vegan Ajo Blanco, follow these simple swaps:
✅ Use vegan-friendly bread – Choose dairy-free, plant-based bread. Many standard white bread options are vegan, but double-check the ingredients to ensure no milk or butter was used.
✅ Skip honey (if used in modern versions) – Some variations add honey for sweetness, but maple syrup or agave syrup is a great vegan alternative.
✅ Use plant-based milk (optional) – If you want a creamier consistency, a splash of almond or oat milk can work well instead of extra water.
This version keeps all the delicious flavors while making it fully plant-based!
Allergies & Dietary Information
✅ Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread or omit it entirely. The soup will still have a creamy texture from the almonds.
✅ Nut-Free Alternative: Since almonds are a key ingredient, it's tricky to make this nut-free. However, you can try substituting sunflower seeds or white beans for a different but still creamy texture.
✅ Dairy-Free: Ajo Blanco is naturally dairy-free, making it a great choice for lactose-intolerant individuals.
✅ Keto-Friendly: To make this recipe low-carb and keto-friendly, skip the bread and slightly reduce the grapes. This keeps it high in healthy fats and low in carbs.
✅ Mediterranean Diet Approved: Made with heart-healthy olive oil, nuts, and fresh ingredients, this dish fits perfectly into a Mediterranean diet.
This Ajo Blanco recipe is versatile, delicious, and easy to adapt to different dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ajo Blanco is best served chilled as a refreshing soup. It can also be used as a dip, a sauce for seafood, or paired with crusty bread and fresh grapes.
In Spanish, "blanco" means "white." In cooking, it often refers to light-colored dishes, such as Ajo Blanco (white almond soup) or "salsa blanca" (white sauce).
Ajo Blanco is pronounced "Ah-ho blahn-ko" in Spanish. "Ajo" means garlic, and "blanco" means white.
Yes, raw garlic paste can be eaten, but it has a strong, pungent taste. It’s often mixed with other ingredients to mellow its sharpness.
Blanco, meaning "white," is often used for light, creamy dishes. Ajo Blanco is great for warm days as a cooling, nutritious soup rich in healthy fats.
Ajo Blanco has a smooth, nutty taste with hints of garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. It’s creamy, slightly tangy, and pairs well with sweet grapes.
Blanco in cooking is used for soups, sauces, and light broths. Ajo Blanco is a Spanish classic, while "salsa blanca" is a common creamy sauce.
The 10-minute garlic rule suggests letting chopped or crushed garlic sit for 10 minutes before cooking. This helps retain its health benefits and enhances its flavor.