This authentic Italian garlic soup is warm and comforting, with plenty of roasted garlic flavor. It’s simple to make and perfect for a cozy night in with a slice of bread.
Honestly, nothing beats curling up with a bowl of this soup. The garlic gives it a lovely kick, and I love sipping it while watching my favorite shows. It’s a hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: This recipe shines with the use of fresh garlic. Roasted garlic can also be used for a sweeter flavor. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can be a quick substitute, though it won’t provide the same depth.
Broth: I love using homemade chicken broth for added richness, but vegetable broth works perfectly for a vegetarian version. You can even use water if you’re in a pinch, just season well!
Vegetables: The classic mirepoix of onion, carrot, and celery adds flavor. If you don’t have one of these, leeks or bell peppers can be nice swaps. Just keep the base soft and aromatic.
Oregano: While dried oregano is great, fresh brings a brighter flavor! If you don’t have it, any Italian herbs mix or even basil can work well to add that herbal note.
Croutons or Bread: Stale bread can be repurposed into crunchy croutons; it adds texture! You could also use focaccia or ciabatta instead of rustic bread for a different twist.
How Do I Properly Sauté Vegetables for This Soup?
Sautéing the vegetables is key to building flavor in your garlic soup. Start with medium heat to soften veggies without browning them. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat olive oil in your soup pot until it shimmers.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery at once. Stir to coat in oil.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add minced garlic last; cook for just 2 minutes so it doesn’t burn, which can make it bitter.
This technique helps ensure your soup has a rich and aromatic base, setting the tone for the entire dish!
How to Make Authentic Italian Style Garlic Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 heads of garlic (about 20 cloves), peeled and minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian herbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Croutons or toasted rustic bread slices (for serving)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious garlic soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and translucent, which creates a flavorful base for your soup.
2. Add the Garlic:
Now it’s time for that pungent garlic! Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook it for about 2 minutes. Stir frequently—this helps release the wonderful garlic aroma, but be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
3. Combine the Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the bay leaf and dried oregano. Give everything a good stir to make sure it’s well combined.
4. Bring to a Simmer:
Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. This is the time for all those lovely flavors to meld together.
5. Blend the Soup:
After simmering, remove the bay leaf. If you like a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup slightly; for a rustic feel, leave it chunky. Just blend it until it’s a consistency that you prefer!
6. Season to Taste:
Taste the soup and stir in salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Adjust seasoning as needed for maximum flavor.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Pour the hot soup into bowls and generously garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Top it off with croutons or toasted rustic bread cubes, which add a nice crunch.
8. Optional Touch:
If you’d like, grate some Parmesan cheese over the soup for an authentic Italian touch! This adds creaminess and a wonderful flavor boost.
9. Enjoy:
Serve your soup hot, and don’t forget a slice of rustic bread for dipping. This garlic soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl!
Enjoy the fragrant and comforting flavors of this Italian classic!
Can I Use Whole Garlic Instead of Minced?
While you can roast whole garlic cloves for a milder flavor, the recipe calls for minced garlic for an intense garlic infusion. Minced garlic releases its oils and essence quickly into the soup, enhancing the overall flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover garlic soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to ensure even heating.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, garlic soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Can I Add for Extra Protein?
If you want to add protein, consider incorporating cooked chicken, white beans, or chickpeas. Just stir them in towards the end of cooking to warm through without breaking them down.