Ajo Blanco

spanish/portuguese soup/stew milk/cream blender freeze/chill apple almond chill grape bon appétit

N/A

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Source

Ingredients

1 green apple (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, chopped

1 large garlic clove, chopped

3 cups crustless 1" cubes day-old white country bread

1 cup seedless green grapes, halved

1/2 cup whole blanched almonds

1/2 cup whole milk

Kosher salt

3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar plus more

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup sliced almonds

Method

Combine apple, garlic, bread, grapes, blanched almonds, milk, and 2 cups water in a medium bowl; season with salt. Cover and chill for at least 6 hours and up to 1 day.

Transfer soup base to a blender and purée, adding water by tablespoonfuls if too thick, until smooth. With motor running, gradually add 3/4 cup oil and 3 tablespoons vinegar and blend until soup is emulsified. Season with salt, pepper, and more vinegar, if desired. Strain soup through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl; cover and chill until very cold, about 2 hours. DO AHEAD: Soup can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread sliced almonds on a rimmed baking sheet and toast, tossing occasionally, until golden, about 4 minutes. Let cool.

Divide soup among bowls; top with toasted almonds; drizzle with oil and vinegar.