Imagine the comforting aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen, promising warmth and coziness.
Garlic soup is a simple yet indulgent delight that’s easy to prepare, offering a velvety, rich flavor experience.
As the garlic and onion sauté, the kitchen fills with a golden glow, and soon, the creamy broth transforms into a smooth, savory masterpiece.
Let’s bring this delightful dish to life and savor its comforting embrace.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 ladle
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 blender
Ingredients
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cook & Prep Time
To effectively manage your time while preparing and cooking garlic soup, you can follow this timeline:
Preparation:
- Reading and Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes):
- Allocate a few minutes at the beginning to read through the recipe and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (5 minutes):
- Peel and slice the garlic cloves.
- Dice the onion.
- Slice the baguette.
Cooking:
3. Initial Cooking (15 minutes):
- 0:00 – 2:00: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 2:00 – 10:00: Add sliced garlic and diced onion to the pot and sauté until fragrant and golden.
- 10:00 – 15:00: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Simmering (20 minutes):
– 15:00 – 35:00: Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Blending and Final Cooking (10 minutes):
- 35:00 – 40:00: Blend the soup until smooth using a blender.
- 40:00 – 45:00: Return the soup to the pot, stir in the heavy cream, season with salt, black pepper, and thyme, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Additional Activities:
6. Toasting Baguette (5 minutes):
– During the last simmer, toast the baguette slices in the oven until crispy.
Resting:
7. Resting (5 minutes):
– Allow the soup to rest before serving.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add sliced garlic and diced onion to the pot and sauté until fragrant and golden.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes.
Blend the soup until smooth using a blender.
Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream.
Season with salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves.
Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Toast baguette slices in the oven until crispy.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with toasted baguette slices and grated Parmesan cheese.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with additional slices of crusty, fresh bread for dipping and a satisfying texture contrast.
- Green Salad: Serve alongside a light green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complement the soup with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables for added nutrition and flavor depth.
- Charcuterie Board: Accompany with a selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives for an elevated dining experience.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Pair with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and hearty meal.
Storage
Store leftover garlic soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.
Avoid freezing, as cream-based soups can separate.
Freezing
To freeze garlic soup, allow it to cool completely.
Then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving space for expansion.
Label with the date and consume within 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat garlic soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat.
Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
Avoid using a microwave. It may alter the soup’s creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Soup recipe is a delightful combination of flavors that will warm your soul.
The blend of garlic, onion, and thyme creates a comforting and aromatic dish, perfect for any season.
The creamy texture from the heavy cream adds a luscious richness, while the toasted baguette slices provide a satisfying crunch.
Don’t forget to sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of savory goodness.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or simply want to try something new, this French-inspired soup is sure to impress.
Enjoy it with family and friends, and savor every spoonful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream With a Non-Dairy Alternative?
You can substitute heavy cream with 1 cup of coconut cream or cashew cream for a non-dairy option. Blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. Confirm the substitute matches the desired consistency and flavor profile.
What Can I Use Instead of a Blender for Smooth Soup?
You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot for smoother soup. Alternatively, pass the soup through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing solids with a spoon. Adjust the consistency by gradually adding reserved liquid back into the soup.
How Do I Prevent Garlic From Burning While Sautéing?
To prevent garlic from burning while sautéing, keep the heat at medium, not high. Stir constantly and add garlic after onions have softened, about 3-5 minutes in. Use 2 tablespoons olive oil for even cooking.
Is It Possible to Make This Soup Spicy?
You can spice up the soup by adding 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 finely chopped jalapeño during the sautéing stage. This will infuse the soup with heat without overpowering its original savory garlic flavor.
Can I Use Chicken Broth Instead of Vegetable Broth?
You can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth using a 1:1 ratio. It will add a richer depth of flavor. Make sure to adjust salt levels, as chicken broth might be saltier. Taste and modify seasoning accordingly.
Garlic Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Ladle
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 8 cloves garlic peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 baguette sliced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced garlic and diced onion to the pot and sauté until fragrant and golden.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth using a blender.
- Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Toast baguette slices in the oven until crispy.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with toasted baguette slices and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
