This Italian Garlic Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s made with garlic, broth, and a few simple spices, giving it a lovely, cozy flavor that’s perfect for chilly days.
Don’t worry if you’re not a garlic fan—I promise it won’t bite back! I love enjoying it with crunchy bread on the side. It’s super easy to make and tastes like a hug from Italy! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: This soup is all about garlic, so use fresh cloves for the best flavor. If you’re short on fresh, you can use garlic powder or jarred minced garlic, though the flavor may be less intense. Personally, I love the sweet taste of roasted garlic if you want to change things up!
Broth: Chicken broth gives richness, but you can swap it for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian. A low-sodium option allows you to control the saltiness, which I often prefer. Homemade broth is always the best choice if you have the time!
Onion: A medium onion adds depth, but you could substitute with shallots or leeks for a milder taste. I find that shallots add a lovely sweetness when cooked!
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess, but can be skipped for a lighter soup. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or cashew cream. I like how cashew cream brings in a lovely nutty flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Garlic can turn bitter if it burns, so it’s essential to cook it gently. Follow these tips:
- Use medium heat when sautéing the garlic and onion—keep stirring to avoid browning.
- Add garlic after the onions are slightly softened. This will give it a head start without burning.
- If you see the garlic starting to brown, lower the heat immediately or add a splash of broth to cool it down.
By taking your time with the garlic, you’ll achieve a deliciously mellow flavor that shines in this soup!
Italian Garlic Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8-10 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creamier soup)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread or homemade croutons, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes for preparation and about 20-30 minutes for cooking, so you’re looking at around 45 minutes total from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Let it melt and shimmer beautifully. This combination gives the soup rich flavor. Add the sliced garlic and chopped onion, cooking gently until they’re soft and fragrant. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Just remember, we want to avoid browning the garlic to keep its mellow flavor.
2. Add Herbs and Broth:
Next, sprinkle in the dried oregano and thyme, stirring for about 30 seconds to release their lovely aromas. It will smell divine! Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This time allows the garlic to mellow and the flavors to blend perfectly.
3. Blend the Soup:
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have one, that’s okay! Just transfer the soup to a blender in batches, puree it, and then return it to the pot. This step is key to achieving that silky texture.
4. Final Touches:
If you want to make the soup even creamier, stir in the heavy cream now. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. For me, a good dash of pepper adds that final touch!
5. Serve It Up:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve with crispy croutons or a slice of crusty bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy every comforting spoonful of your Italian Garlic Soup!
This delightful soup also makes a splendid starter or a light main dish, especially for garlic lovers looking for simplicity with depth of flavor!
Can I Use Different Types of Broth?
Absolutely! You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option, or even homemade broth if you have it on hand. Each type of broth will give the soup a unique flavor, so choose one that you love!
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply replace the butter with more olive oil and use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream. This will keep the creamy texture while making it plant-based!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or heat in the microwave in short increments, stirring in between.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach. Just make sure to sauté them along with the onion and garlic at the beginning to build a rich flavor. Experimenting with veggies can make this soup even more nutritious!
