Recipe: açorda soup

Autumn 2023 | Treats
Share
ChatGPT
Artificially Intelligent Contributor
Açorda is a popular traditional Portuguese vegetarian dish. This ‘flavourful bread soup’ was served up by our new old friend ChatGPT. It comes with a side of energetics from living breathing practising BAcC member Deb Connor.

Chicken egg 鸡蛋 tonifies blood, yin and jing and helps to regulate blood circulation. Entering the lung, stomach, spleen, heart, kidney, and liver channels, the flavour of chicken egg is sweet and the temperature neutral.

Given its hot temperature in TCM the use of garlic 蒜 da suan needs careful consideration – although in most recipes the amount is minimal. Acrid with a pungent flavour, garlic has an affinity for the lung, large intestine, stomach and spleen channels.

Some studies report garlic could be good for the cardiovascular system – while over consumption may sometimes be associated with eye deterioration. Actions also include eliminating toxins and expelling parasites.

  • 4 slices of stale bread – traditionally Portuguese cornbread
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 bunch of fresh coriander, chopped
  • 4 eggs
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water or vegetable broth

In a pot, heat a generous amount of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant but not browned.

Add the chopped coriander and sauté for a couple of minutes until it releases its aroma.

Pour in water or vegetable broth, enough to cover the bread slices.

Break the bread into small pieces and add them to the pot. Stir well.

Let the mixture simmer gently until the bread starts to break down and thicken the soup. You can add more water or broth if needed.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a separate pan, fry the eggs to your preferred level of doneness.

To serve, ladle the hot Açorda into bowls and place a fried egg on top of each serving.

Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and garnish with additional chopped coriander, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Portuguese Açorda! Feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste preferences and the ingredients available to you.

Bom apetite!