Appetizers

Salmorejo

⏱ 10 min👤 4 pp★★☆☆☆

In our daily search for the most delicious and tempting specialties of Mediterranean cuisines, we have arrived in Spain, specifically the magical location of Cordoba, a favourite destination for those who want to understand in depth the Spanish culinary tradition. The specialty we are presenting here is the famous ‘salmorejo’ soup, a signature dish of the city of Cordoba, and we will make it together carefully following our recipe, first buying good, fresh ingredients, such as tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, stale bread, salt and pepper. ‘Salmorejo’ is a relative of the more famous gazpacho, another Spanish soup, and is a tasty and effective way of resolving the need to make something suitable for the long, hot Spanish summer. It is a relative of the gazpacho and as such is served cold. It is usually accompanied by slices of serrano ham and boiled eggs. Seeing is believing!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 320 kcal / serving

Protein
10g
Carbohydrates
28g
Fat
18g
Fiber
1g

* approximate values per serving

Information
10 minutes Preparation time
Serves 4 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Puree the tomato and garlic in a blender, then add oil and salt. Break up the dry bread and add to the tomato puree. Further blend the mixture and serve with Parma ham or the best Serrano ham and a drizzle of olive oil. Traditionally you can also serve it with chopped hard-boiled egg.

Tips
If you really want to enjoy a perfect summer version of salmorejo, whilst you are making it you can add ice cubes: the end result will be amazing, and will certainly keep you cool during the hottest days of summer.
Trivia
A recipe for ‘salmorejo’ soup, reminiscent in some ways of the better known gazpacho, and a native of the beautiful city of Cordoba.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Salmorejo with Prosciutto Crudo and Hard-Boiled Egg

One of the tastiest variations of salmorejo includes the addition of prosciutto crudo and hard-boiled egg. This version enriches the dish with intense flavors and a heartier texture. To prepare it, simply follow the basic salmorejo recipe and finish the dish with elegantly arranged slices of prosciutto crudo on top of the tomato cream. Additionally, the hard-boiled egg, cut into pieces, offers a contrast of texture and an extra source of protein. This combination not only makes the dish more nutritious but also visually appealing, perfect for a refined presentation. Ideal to serve as an appetizer or a main dish during hot summer days.

Spanish Salmorejo with Toasted Bread

Salmorejo is a traditional Spanish preparation, typical of Andalusia. This variation stands out for the use of toasted bread, which gives the dish a unique creaminess. Unlike gazpacho, which is more liquid and made from fresh vegetables, salmorejo is primarily based on ripe tomatoes and bread, making it denser and more substantial. The original recipe calls for the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, such as well-ripened tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil, to enhance the flavor of the dish. Served cold, it is an excellent choice to refresh during hot summer days, bringing an authentic taste of Spanish cuisine to your table.

Light Salmorejo with Greek Yogurt

For those seeking a lighter version of classic salmorejo, it is possible to replace part of the oil and bread with Greek yogurt. This light preparation maintains the fresh flavors of tomato and garlic but reduces the caloric intake and increases the protein content. Greek yogurt, rich in probiotics, contributes to good digestion and offers a creaminess similar to that of bread, making the dish still flavorful. It is an excellent option for those following a balanced diet, allowing you to enjoy a traditional dish without sacrificing taste. Served with fresh herbs or a pinch of chili, light salmorejo becomes an ideal appetizer even for those mindful of their weight.

Salmorejo: Nutritional Benefits and Calories

Salmorejo is a dish rich in benefits thanks to the presence of fresh and nutrient-dense ingredients. Tomatoes, the main stars of the recipe, are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that contributes to heart health and protection against certain diseases. Additionally, they are a source of vitamins C and K, essential for the immune system and bone health. The toasted bread provides complex carbohydrates, while extra virgin olive oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. In terms of calories, a serving of salmorejo is approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used, making it a light and nutritious option for a summer meal.

Can Salmorejo be Frozen?

Freezing salmorejo is not recommended, as the creamy texture of the dish may change once thawed. However, if you wish to prepare a large quantity, it is possible to freeze the ingredients separately, such as the tomatoes and bread. This way, you can reassemble the fresh dish at the time of consumption. If you decide to freeze salmorejo, make sure to store it in an airtight container and consume it within one or two months. At the time of consumption, it is best enjoyed fresh, to fully appreciate the freshness of the ingredients and the authentic flavors of Spanish cuisine.