Salmorejo

Salmorejo is a Spanish soup originally from Cordoba.  It is similar to gazpacho but has fewer ingredients.  It only has tomatoes, garlic, bread, olive oil and salt and is often garnished with serrano ham and boiled egg.

Here is the recipe:

1 pound tomatoes
1 clove garlic
white bread
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
salt

Peel the tomatoes and remove the cores.  It is easy to peel them if they are boiled first.  Soak a slice of bread in the tomatoes.  Take out the bread and set aside.  In a blender, puree the tomatoes and garlic. Add half of the bread and puree.  Continue to add the bread and olive oil until the liquid is smooth.  Add salt to taste.   Chill the puree and serve in bowls with chopped serrano ham and boiled egg.

Salmorejo is a delicious and simple dish.  It is usually enjoyed in summer but for me it can be enjoyed in any season.