Italian Garlic Soup is a warm and comforting dish perfect for garlic lovers! It’s made with simple ingredients like garlic, broth, and a splash of olive oil, giving it a rich flavor.
I love how warming this soup is, especially on chilly days! It’s quick to make and pairs great with some crispy bread—perfect for dipping away!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for its robust flavor. If on a budget, regular olive oil or even another vegetable oil will work, but you might miss that rich taste.
Garlic: The star of this soup! Fresh garlic is a must for the best flavor. If needed, garlic powder can substitute, but start with a small amount since it’s more concentrated.
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth brings depth to the soup. Homemade is great if you have it, but store-bought works well too! For a lighter version, use water with herbs instead.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onion make a classic mirepoix. Feel free to swap for leeks or shallots for a different flavor. You can also add spinach or kale for extra nutrition!
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Garlic Flavor Without Burning It?
Sautéing garlic can be tricky, but don’t worry! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use medium heat. High heat can burn garlic quickly.
- Keep stirring frequently so it cooks evenly.
- Remove it from the oil once it’s golden brown to prevent further cooking.
- If you accidentally burn garlic, start over; burned garlic can make the whole dish bitter.
These tips ensure you get that lovely, fragrant garlic flavor that makes this soup so delicious!
Italian Garlic Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 small carrot, finely diced
- 1 small celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 slices rustic bread, toasted and rubbed with garlic
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Italian Garlic Soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes total cooking time. So, in just under an hour, you’ll have a piping hot, delicious soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Olive Oil and Garlic:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced garlic. Sauté it slowly while stirring frequently until it’s golden and fragrant but careful not to let it burn, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for developing that delicious garlic flavor!
2. Cook the Vegetables:
Add the finely diced carrot, celery, and onion to the pot. Stir everything together and cook until the vegetables have softened, which should take about 5-6 minutes. The veggies will add a nice sweetness to the soup.
3. Add Broth and Herbs:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf and oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, letting it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together. Don’t forget to stir occasionally!
4. Blend the Soup:
Once simmered, remove the bay leaf from the pot. If you want a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially puree the mixture—leave some chunks for texture! If you prefer, you can blend half the soup in a regular blender, but be sure to let it cool slightly before blending.
5. Season and Garnish:
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in half of the chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Now, ladle the soup into bowls, and sprinkle the remaining parsley on top. Add croutons made from the toasted garlic-rubbed bread for some extra crunch and texture.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
If desired, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl before serving. Serve the soup hot, alongside extra toasted bread to dip. Enjoy this warm, rustic Italian dish that’s perfect for cozy moments!
This Italian Garlic Soup is filled with hearty, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a comforting meal worth savoring. Buon Appetito!
Can I Use Less Garlic in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re not a huge fan of garlic, feel free to reduce the amount to 4 cloves or even less. The soup will still taste great, just with a milder flavor!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
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, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes, just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the Parmesan cheese. The soup is deliciously flavorful on its own!
What Else Can I Add to the Soup?
You can customize this soup by adding additional vegetables like spinach, kale, or even potatoes for extra heartiness. Feel free to experiment to suit your taste!