This Authentic Italian Style Garlic Soup is warm, comforting, and packed with flavor! Made with fresh garlic, rich broth, and a sprinkle of herbs, it’s perfect for chilly days.
Who knew garlic could be so delightful? I love ladling it into bowls and adding a drizzle of olive oil. It feels like a hug in a mug! 🥣
Making this soup is super easy! Just sauté garlic, add broth, and let it simmer. It’s a tasty way to impress friends without spending all day in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: The star of this soup is garlic! Using fresh, whole heads gives the best flavor. If you want a milder taste, use less or roast the garlic first!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness. If you’re out, you can use regular olive oil or even melted butter, although it will change the flavor slightly.
Broth: Homemade broth is fantastic for depth of flavor. For a lighter option, vegetable broth works perfectly. Make it low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
Potato: The potato gives the soup a creamy texture. If you’re avoiding carbs, you can substitute with cauliflower for a similar consistency.
Bread: Rustic Italian bread is ideal for croutons. However, any hearty bread will do. Stale bread is actually better as it crisps up nicely!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Garlic Flavor Without Bitterness?
Cooking garlic properly is crucial for this dish. To avoid bitterness, heat it gently! Here’s how:
- Start with medium heat to prevent garlic from browning too quickly.
- When adding garlic and onion, keep an eye on them. Stir frequently, ensuring they soften without turning brown.
If you notice the garlic starting to brown, immediately add your other ingredients to cool it down. This way, you’ll get a sweet flavor, not a bitter one!
Authentic Italian Style Garlic Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup:
- 2 whole heads of garlic (about 20 cloves), peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (for creamy texture)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For The Croutons:
- 1 slice of rustic Italian bread, cut into cubes
- Extra olive oil for toasting (1 tablespoon)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting garlic soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook. So, in around 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, homemade soup ready to warm your soul!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic and Onions:
Start by heating 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the sliced garlic and chopped onions. Cook them gently for about 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until they’re soft and fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, or it can become bitter.
2. Add the Potatoes:
Next, toss in the diced potato and stir everything together, allowing the potatoes to absorb some of the flavors.
3. Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the broth and add the fresh thyme leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are very tender, which takes about 20 minutes.
4. Prepare the Croutons:
While your soup is simmering, let’s make the croutons! In a separate pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bread cubes and toast them, stirring frequently, until they’re golden brown and crisp. Set the croutons aside when done.
5. Blend the Soup:
Once the soup is ready, take it off the heat. You can use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
6. Season and Reheat:
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If needed, gently reheat the soup until warm.
7. Serve the Soup:
Now it’s time to serve! Ladle the hot soup into bowls, top with the crunchy croutons, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and if you wish, add a light sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Finish with Olive Oil:
For an extra touch of richness, drizzle a little more extra virgin olive oil on top. Serve immediately and enjoy your delightful meal!
This vibrant and flavorful Authentic Italian Garlic Soup showcases the sweet, mellow flavor of garlic, rounded off with crispy toasted bread and fresh herbs, making it a simple yet satisfying dish. Buon appetito!
Can I Use Different Types of Broth for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While vegetable or chicken broth is recommended for flavor, you can use beef broth or even homemade bone broth for a richer taste. Just be mindful of the salt content, especially if it’s store-bought.
How Can I Store Leftover Garlic Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of broth or water if it thickens up too much!
What Can I Use Instead of Croutons?
If you’re looking to replace croutons, try adding crispy fried shallots or roasted chickpeas for a nice crunch. You can also serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping instead!
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Definitely! Just use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. The recipe is already dairy-free, so it’s an easy switch to make it vegan-friendly!
