Sopa de almendras

Sopa de almendras is a traditional soup. It's made with skinned and blanched almonds, garlic, stale bread, olive oil, stock, peppercorns, saffron, cumin or cinnamon, and vinegar or lemon juice. The almonds are fried with saffron, garlic, and bread, then blended with cumin, peppercorns, vinegar, and stock. The combination is mixed with the remaining stock and brought to a boil. After simmering for a short while, the soup is garnished with toasted almonds, chopped mint, or croutons. Sopa de almendras is traditionally served as the first course on Christmas Eve.