Sopa Dourada (portuguese Christmas Golden Soup) Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen, where I’ll be sharing my recipe for Sopa Dourada, a traditional Portuguese Christmas Golden Soup. This festive dish is a staple in our household during the holiday season, and I’m excited to share it with you today.

Sopa Dourada, which literally translates to “golden soup,” is a sweet soup that’s actually more like a dessert. It’s made with bread, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon, and is typically served during Christmas dinner in Portugal. This soup is a beloved part of Portuguese food culture, and I’m thrilled to be able to share it with you.

If you’re a fan of Portuguese cuisine or looking to try something new this holiday season, then this Sopa Dourada recipe is perfect for you. It’s easy to make and requires only a few ingredients that you likely already have on hand. So, let’s get started and make some delicious Sopa Dourada for your holiday table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sopa Dourada (portuguese Christmas Golden Soup)
Sopa Dourada (portuguese Christmas Golden Soup)

Are you looking for a unique and delicious dish to serve during the holidays? Look no further than Sopa Dourada, also known as Portuguese Christmas Golden Soup. This soup is a traditional dish in Portugal, served during the Christmas season.

What makes Sopa Dourada so special? The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine. The soup is made with cinnamon-infused water, which gives it a warm and comforting aroma. It is then sweetened with sugar and thickened with egg yolks, creating a creamy and decadent broth.

But the real star of the show is the toppings. Sopa Dourada is traditionally served with crispy bread, raisins, and pine nuts. These toppings add a satisfying crunch and a burst of sweetness that perfectly complements the rich soup.

Not only is Sopa Dourada delicious, but it is also a unique addition to any holiday spread. Your guests will be impressed by your culinary skills and delighted by the unexpected flavors.

So why not try something new this holiday season? Add Sopa Dourada to your menu and experience the magic of this Portuguese Christmas Golden Soup.

Ingredient List

 A bowl of golden warmth on a chilly Christmas night
A bowl of golden warmth on a chilly Christmas night

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s start with what you’ll need. This Portuguese Christmas Golden Soup recipe requires some unique ingredients that might be a bit tricky to find in your local grocery store, but trust me, it’s worth the effort!

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

For the soup:

  • 6 cups of water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 lemon peel
  • 200g of sugar
  • 10 egg yolks

For the garnish:

  • 6 slices of bread
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • cinnamon to taste

Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through the process of finding these ingredients and making substitutions if necessary. So, let’s get started!

The Recipe How-To

 A festive soup that's as beautiful as it is delicious
A festive soup that’s as beautiful as it is delicious

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the Sopa Dourada! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious Portuguese Christmas Golden Soup.

Ingredients:

  • 1 liter of water
  • 200g of sugar
  • 8 egg yolks
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 6 slices of bread
  • Olive oil

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, bring the water to a boil with the cinnamon stick. Once it’s boiling, remove the cinnamon stick and add the sugar.
  2. Let the mixture boil for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat and let it cool.
  3. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are creamy and have lightened in color.
  4. Slowly add the cooled sugar syrup to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking.
  5. Put the mixture back into the pot and heat it over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (around 4-5 minutes). Do not let it boil.
  6. Cut the bread into slices and fry them in olive oil until golden brown. Remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
  7. Place the fried bread in a deep dish and pour the egg and sugar mixture over it.
  8. Let the bread soak up the mixture for at least 30 minutes, or until it’s fully absorbed.

And that’s it! Your Sopa Dourada is ready to be served. It’s a simple recipe, but the end result is a rich and creamy dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion, especially Christmas.

But wait, there’s more! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try some substitutions and variations to make this recipe your own. Check out the next section for some ideas.

Substitutions and Variations

 Sopa Dourada: the perfect starter for your Portuguese holiday feast
Sopa Dourada: the perfect starter for your Portuguese holiday feast

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add your own twist to this classic recipe, there are several substitutions and variations you can try.

Firstly, you can experiment with different types of bread to achieve your desired texture. For example, you can use brioche or challah instead of Portuguese sweet bread. You can also use gluten-free bread if you have dietary restrictions.

If you want to make this soup vegan or dairy-free, you can substitute cow’s milk with almond or soy milk. You can also use coconut cream to add a tropical flavor to the soup.

For those who love cinnamon, you can add more of this spice to the recipe. You can also add nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to enhance the flavor profile.

If you’re looking for a heartier meal, you can add some protein to the soup. You can add shredded chicken or turkey, diced ham, or cooked sausage. You can also add some vegetables such as carrots, green peas, or spinach to make it more nutritious.

Another variation is to serve the soup with some traditional Portuguese side dishes. You can serve it with “pastéis de nata” (custard tarts) for a sweet finish or “caldo verde” (Portuguese kale soup) for a savory pairing. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try “fatias douradas” (golden slices), a Portuguese dessert that is similar to French toast.

Overall, the possibilities are endless when it comes to variations and substitutions for this soup recipe. Be creative and have fun exploring different flavors and textures to make it your own.

Serving and Pairing

 The golden color of this soup is thanks to the egg yolks, which also add richness and depth of flavor
The golden color of this soup is thanks to the egg yolks, which also add richness and depth of flavor

Sopa Dourada is a traditional Portuguese Christmas soup that is usually served as a dessert. This golden soup is full of flavor and sweetness that will leave you feeling warm and satisfied. This soup is usually served with custard tarts or other Portuguese desserts, such as fatias douradas.

To serve this soup, it is important to have small bowls or cups to ensure that the sweetness is not overwhelming. The soup is usually served warm, but it can also be served chilled if preferred. If you are serving this soup as a dessert, it is recommended to have it after a light meal to balance out the sweetness.

As for pairing, Sopa Dourada pairs well with a variety of Portuguese desserts, such as pastéis de nata, or even with a cup of coffee or tea. If you are looking for a more savory pairing, a Portuguese fish stew would be a delicious option. The warm and comforting flavors of the fish stew perfectly complement the sweetness of the soup.

Overall, Sopa Dourada is a versatile dessert that can be served in many different ways. Whether you are enjoying it with other traditional Portuguese desserts, or pairing it with a savory dish, this golden soup will definitely be a hit at any holiday gathering.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 A traditional Portuguese soup with a modern twist
A traditional Portuguese soup with a modern twist

Sopa Dourada is a perfect dish to make ahead of time, especially when you’re hosting a large gathering for the holidays. You can easily prepare the soup a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors will blend together, making it even more delicious!

To reheat the soup, simply pour it into a pot and heat it on medium-low heat. Be sure to stir it frequently to ensure that it heats evenly. You may need to add a splash of water to thin out the soup, as it can thicken over time.

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating the soup, you can add a little bit of water to thin it out if it has thickened in the fridge.

One thing to note, however, is that Sopa Dourada is best served fresh. Though it can be stored and reheated, the flavors and texture may change slightly. So, if possible, try to serve it right after you make it for the best taste and texture.

Overall, Sopa Dourada is a versatile dish that can be made ahead of time and stored easily. You can enjoy it as a leftover or make it fresh, and it will still taste amazing!

Tips for Perfect Results

 The aroma of cinnamon and lemon in this soup will transport you to a cozy Christmas kitchen
The aroma of cinnamon and lemon in this soup will transport you to a cozy Christmas kitchen

Now that you have all the ingredients and steps to make the traditional Sopa Dourada, it’s time to think about some tips for perfect results. Here are some of my best recommendations:

1. Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients you use will greatly affect the taste of the soup. Choose fresh eggs, good quality bread, and high-quality cinnamon.

2. Let the bread soak properly: It’s important to let the bread soak in the milk mixture for at least 30 minutes before frying. This will ensure that the bread is fully infused with the flavors of the milk, cinnamon, and sugar.

3. Fry the bread until golden brown: Make sure to fry the bread until it’s golden brown on both sides. This will give it a nice crispy texture and a beautiful golden color.

4. Don’t overcrowd the pan: When frying the bread, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure that the bread fries evenly and doesn’t stick together.

5. Adjust the sweetness to your liking: The amount of sugar used in the recipe can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter soup, add more sugar. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar used.

6. Serve the soup warm: Sopa Dourada is best served warm. If you need to reheat it, do so slowly over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.

7. Pair with traditional Portuguese dishes: Sopa Dourada is traditionally served during Christmas in Portugal and pairs well with other traditional dishes such as pastéis de nata (custard tarts) and Portuguese fish stew.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a delicious and authentic Sopa Dourada. Enjoy!

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Sopa Dourada is a delicious and unique soup that is perfect for serving during the holidays or any special occasion. With its rich, golden color and warm, comforting flavor, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional Portuguese food or just looking for a new and exciting soup recipe to try, Sopa Dourada is definitely worth making. So gather your ingredients and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Remember, you can always adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. And don’t forget to pair this soup with some delicious Portuguese custard tarts or fish stew for a truly authentic meal.

So why not add Sopa Dourada to your list of go-to soup recipes? It’s easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try and see for yourself why this soup is a beloved part of Portuguese cuisine.

Sopa Dourada (portuguese Christmas Golden Soup) Recipe

Golden soup is actually a Portuguese dessert served during the Christmas season in Portugal. This recipe is from "The Taste of Portugal" a great Portuguese cookbook by Edite Vieira.

  • 6 slices sponge cakes, sliced thin
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 7 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup water
  • cinnamon
  1. Mix the sugar with the water and bring to the boil to make a thick syrup (225 to 230F/105 to 110C).
  2. Remove from the heat.
  3. Using a slotted spoon, dip each slice of cake into the syrup, and place them on a large serving dish.
  4. Beat the egg yolks and mix them with the remaining syrup.
  5. Bring to heat for one moment and stir, only to thicken, without allowing the yolks to curdle.
  6. Pour this custard over the slices, sprinkle with cinnamon and serve cold.
  7. Enjoy!
Soup
Portuguese
< 30 Mins, Christmas, Dessert, Easy, European, Healthy, Portuguese, Winter

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