This Italian Style Garlic Soup is warm and full of flavor! With lots of garlic and fresh herbs, it’s simple to make and just right for a cozy night in.
I love how this soup makes your kitchen smell amazing while it cooks. It’s perfect with crusty bread—because who doesn’t love dipping bread in soup? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: The star of this soup! Fresh garlic gives a wonderful, rich flavor. If fresh garlic isn’t available, garlic powder can work, but it won’t have the same depth. I always recommend crushing the cloves to release more flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice richness. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use butter for a different taste, or any neutral oil if you’re concerned about the flavor.
Broth: You can use vegetable or chicken broth depending on your preference. If you need a low-sodium option, make sure you look for low-sodium broth—it helps control the saltiness of the soup.
Milk or Cream: Whole milk gives a creaminess, but you can use light cream for a richer taste. If you’re dairy-free, try almond milk or coconut milk, though they will alter the taste slightly.
Croutons: Nothing beats adding crunch! If you want to skip store-bought croutons, you can easily make your own by toasting leftover bread in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
How Can I Achieve the Best Flavor from Garlic?
Cooking garlic correctly is essential for that deep flavor. Start at medium heat, so it infuses the oil without burning. If garlic browns too much, it can become bitter. Remember these steps:
- Slice the garlic thinly so it cooks evenly.
- Cook it gently in the olive oil for just about 5 minutes until golden.
- Keep stirring to prevent it from sticking or burning.
This will ensure every spoonful of your soup is filled with fragrant garlic goodness!
Authentic Italian Style Garlic Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 10-12 cloves of garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or light cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Croutons, for serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional), for garnish
- Crusty Italian bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and another 30 minutes for cooking, making the total time around 40 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying dish to whip up for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook gently. You want it to turn golden and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes. Make sure not to let it brown too much, as that can turn bitter.
2. Add the Onion:
Next, toss in the finely chopped onion. Cook this mixture until the onion becomes translucent and soft, which should be another 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and onion, stirring well to combine. Let this cook for 1-2 minutes; this will help thicken your soup later on.
4. Add Broth and Herbs:
Gradually stir in the broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. If you like, add dried oregano at this point for extra flavor.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows all those lovely flavors to meld together!
6. Mix in Milk or Cream:
Lower the heat and slowly stir in the milk or cream. Heat it gently—be careful not to let it boil. This is what makes your soup creamy and rich!
7. Blend Until Smooth:
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have one, you can carefully transfer batches to a traditional blender, blending until all is silky.
8. Final Seasoning:
Now it’s time to taste! Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for that bright flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your soup hot, garnished with croutons, an extra drizzle of olive oil, chopped parsley, and if you like, some grated Parmesan cheese on top.
10. Pair with Bread:
Don’t forget the crusty Italian bread on the side! It’s perfect for dipping and makes the meal complete.
Enjoy your warm, comforting Authentic Italian Style Garlic Soup!
Can I Use Pre-minced Garlic for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-minced garlic to save time! However, the flavor might not be as robust as using fresh garlic. If you go that route, about 1 teaspoon of pre-minced garlic equals 1 clove, so adjust accordingly.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover garlic soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this soup vegan, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace the cream or milk with a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk. Just be mindful of the flavors coconut milk adds!
What Can I Use Instead of Croutons?
If you want to skip croutons, consider adding toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for some crunch, or top the soup with crispy fried onions for a different texture. Fresh herbs or a sprinkle of seeds are also great alternatives!
