This Italian Garlic Soup is a warm and tasty dish that’s perfect for chilly days! Made with lots of garlic, broth, and a hint of herbs, it warms your heart and fills your belly.
I love how simple it is to make—just sauté the garlic, add broth, and let it simmer. It’s one of those recipes that makes your kitchen smell amazing. Get ready to sip on some cozy goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is perfect for sautéing garlic, bringing out its flavor. If you’re looking to cut calories, you can use a lighter olive oil or even butter for a different flavor.
Garlic: The star of this soup! Fresh garlic is essential for the best taste. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor. Use around a teaspoon as a substitute.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth gives this soup a rich flavor, but you can easily swap it for vegetable broth if you’re vegetarian or vegan. Homemade broth is best if you have it!
Bread: Rustic Italian bread works great, but any sturdy bread will do. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread. Alternatively, crusty baguette or ciabatta adds a nice crunch.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nice finishing touch. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without the lactose.
How Can I Avoid Burning the Garlic?
Cooking garlic perfectly is key to this soup. Burning it can make it taste bitter! Here’s how to get it right:
- Use medium heat when sautéing the garlic. You want it golden, not brown.
- Keep an eye on it and stir frequently; garlic can go from perfectly cooked to burnt quickly.
- If you notice it cooking too fast, reduce the heat and add a splash of broth to cool it down.
This way, you’ll enjoy that lovely, sweet garlic flavor without the bitterness. Happy cooking!
Italian Garlic Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 10-12 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
For the Croutons:
- 4-6 slices of rustic Italian bread or baguette, cut into cubes
- Extra olive oil, for toasting the bread
For Garnishing:
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Italian Garlic Soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 25 minutes. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a cozy dinner or a warm lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Carefully add the thinly sliced garlic. Sauté it gently for about 2-3 minutes until it turns golden and fragrant, being sure not to let it brown too much—it can turn bitter if it does!
2. Add the Broth:
Once the garlic is just right, stir in the red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) and then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Let it simmer for around 15 minutes, allowing the delicious garlic flavor to infuse the broth.
3. Season and Prepare Croutons:
Season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Meanwhile, in another skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the bread cubes and toast them until they’re crisp and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Final Touches:
Before serving, stir the majority of the finely chopped parsley into the soup, saving some for the garnish. Carefully ladle the hot soup into bowls.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Top each bowl with the toasted bread cubes, sprinkle over the reserved parsley, and finish it off with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your comforting bowl of Italian garlic soup!
This soup is rustic, fragrant, and truly comforting—a delightful choice for any garlic lover! Buon Appetito!
Can I Use Garlic Powder Instead of Fresh Garlic?
While fresh garlic provides the best flavor, you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Substitute about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for the 10-12 cloves. Just remember that the flavor will be less intense and fragrant.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder soup, simply omit the red pepper flakes entirely or reduce the amount. You can always add a pinch of salt or pepper later to enhance the flavor without the heat.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup up to a day in advance. Just refrigerate it after cooking, and reheat on the stove before serving. Add the croutons just before serving for the best texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Avoid reheating too many times to maintain the best flavor and texture.
