Bread Soup is a traditional Colombian comfort dish commonly found in Andean households. Made with day-old bread, broth, vegetables, and often milk and fresh cheese, it transforms simple ingredients into a nourishing and flavorful meal.
For generations, it has been enjoyed as a breakfast, light lunch, or dinner, reflecting the resourcefulness of Colombian home cooking and the tradition of minimizing food waste. Its soft texture and comforting flavor make it a beloved family recipe.
Ingredients
- 250 g day-old country bread, cubed (5 cups)
- 1.5 liters chicken or beef broth (6 cups)
- 150 g chopped green onions (6 stalks)
- 10 g minced garlic (2 cloves)
- 150 ml milk (⅔ cup)
- 100 g crumbled fresh farmer’s cheese (1 cup)
- 20 g butter (1½ tablespoons)
- 15 g chopped fresh cilantro (¼ cup)
- 10 g salt (2 teaspoons)
- 2 g black pepper (⅓ teaspoon)
Preparation
- Prepare the aromatic base, melt the butter in a large pot and sauté half of the green onions with the garlic for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the broth, pour in the broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add the bread, stir in the bread cubes and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, allowing them to absorb the broth and partially break down.
- Add the milk, pour in the milk and the remaining green onions. Cook for another 5 minutes until the soup becomes smooth and slightly creamy.
- Finish the soup, stir in the cilantro and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately, ladle into bowls and top each serving with crumbled fresh cheese.
Chef’s Tips
- Day-old bread provides the best texture.
- Avoid sweet breads, which can alter the traditional flavor.
- For a thicker soup, cook the bread a few minutes longer.
- Add the cheese just before serving to preserve its texture.
Traditional Variations
- Some families add a poached egg before serving.
- Certain regional recipes use extra cheese and homemade chicken broth.
- Diced potatoes are sometimes added for a heartier version.
Traditional Serving Method
Serve hot with fresh avocado or white arepas. It is commonly enjoyed for breakfast or a light dinner. Traditional beverages include hot chocolate, Colombian coffee, and panela drink.
Recommended Side Dishes
- White arepas
- Fresh avocado
- Hot chocolate
- Colombian coffee
- Hot panela drink
Did You Know?
Bread Soup is a classic example of Colombian resourceful cooking. It was developed as a practical way to use leftover bread and transform it into a satisfying meal.
While similar soups exist in many countries, Colombian versions are distinguished by the use of fresh cheese, cilantro, and homemade broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional country bread or white bread that is one or two days old works best because it absorbs the broth while maintaining some texture.
Yes, although slightly stale bread produces a more authentic texture and absorbs the liquid more effectively.
Yes. Many traditional versions use only broth, resulting in a lighter but equally flavorful soup.
Colombian queso campesino is the traditional choice, although any mild fresh cheese with a similar texture can be used.
