Spanish Garlic Soup

Ingredients --  not Vegetarian
Taken from "Food Wishes" - by Chef John.  Makes 4 portions.
Chef John prefers to make Croutons by baking in the oven (after tossing with oil) rather than a frying pan.

Saut
ée the garlic slices until they become just barely golden.  Add the ham, then sautée for one minute.

Add paprika and simmer another minute.  Then toss in the croutons and oil.  Add remaining spices (to taste) except parsley.

Add chicken stock, simmer a little, judge to taste whether you need more liquid.  Add parsley and then check the spices to taste.

Now with a spoon make four small depressions among the croutons etc., crack eggs into the depressions (if preferred, go via ramekins), essentially let the eggs poach.  Cover and cook on medium heat until poached -- (When the whites are not quite firm, puncture the yolks and let them run.)  Splash a little of the soup and spices over the eggs. 

Garnish with a few pinches more of parsley and cayenne, maybe olive oil.