Acorda - Portuguese Bread Soup

Ingredients

Olive oil

4 tablespoons, plus more for drizzling

Garlic

4 cloves, minced

Stale bread

4 cups, torn into small pieces (preferably country-style or sourdough)

Water

6 cups

Fresh parsley

1/2 cup, chopped

Fresh cilantro

1/2 cup, chopped

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to let it brown.
3. Tear the stale bread into small pieces and add them to the pot, stirring to coat with the olive oil and garlic.
4. Pour in the water, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bread has softened and absorbed the liquid.
5. Using a wooden spoon or an immersion blender, mash the bread until it forms a thick, creamy soup.
6. Stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley, reserving a little for garnish.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
8. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Serve hot, drizzled with a little extra olive oil and garnished with additional chopped herbs if desired.