This is a humble but exquisite soup, made with dense-textured bread and garlic fried in oil, then flavored with paprika. There are more luxurious or well-to-do versions where chorizo sausage, triangles of cured ham and even poached eggs are added. Although originally a peasant soup, it is everyday fare in the cities, especially in Castile. In Catalonia thyme is added to the cooking water. The soup is said to have special purifying virtues and is highly regarded as a pick-me up - ideal for the morning after the excesses of the night before.
