This Authentic Italian Style Garlic Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with rich garlic flavor, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice, perfect for chilly days.
I think the best part is how simple it is to make. Just blend everything together and let it simmer! Grab some crusty bread, and you’re all set for a cozy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that robust, authentic flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder could work, but it won’t provide the same depth. Ideally, try to use fresh!
Broth: Vegetable broth is great for a veggie-friendly option, but chicken broth brings a richer taste. If you prefer a lighter flavor, water could also be used, just adjust your seasoning accordingly.
White Wine: It adds a nice acidity and depth. If you want to skip it, you can substitute with extra broth or a splash of lemon juice. I personally love the brightness it adds!
Potato: The potato adds creaminess. If you need a low-carb alternative, you can replace it with cauliflower. Just cook until soft, and blend it smoothly into the soup.
How Can I Ensure My Soup is Creamy and Smooth?
To achieve a silky texture, blending is essential. If you’re using an immersion blender, keep it low to prevent splashing. For traditional blenders, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to avoid steam burns.
- Blend in batches if your blender is smaller. Fill only halfway to allow for expansion.
- If your soup gets too thick during blending, add a little broth while mixing to adjust the consistency.
- Always taste after blending! You might want to adjust seasoning with salt and pepper for balance.
Enjoy making this comforting Garlic Soup! Pairing it with crusty bread really complements the flavors and makes it satisfying.
Authentic Italian Style Garlic Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 heads of garlic (about 10-12 cloves), peeled and minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
- Croutons or toasted rustic bread slices, for serving
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious garlic soup will take around 10 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook. So in total, you’re looking at roughly 40 minutes before you can enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture is soft and fragrant but make sure not to let it brown.
2. Adding Ingredients for Creaminess:
Now, toss in the diced potato and stir it for another 2 minutes, making sure to coat it well with the olive oil and garlic flavor.
3. Incorporating the Wine:
If you’re using white wine, pour it in now and let it cook until it’s mostly evaporated, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step really enhances the flavor.
4. Cooking the Soup:
Next, add in the broth, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat!). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Blending to Creaminess:
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s nice and smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and puree it until creamy. Then return it to the pot.
6. Final Seasoning:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season the soup to taste with salt and pepper. If it feels a bit thick, just add a splash more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Garnishing the Soup:
To serve, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top, a bit of chopped parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil. Feel free to add some toasted croutons or rustic bread slices for dipping!
8. Enjoy Your Soup:
Serve your delicious soup hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this authentic Italian garlic soup!
Enjoy this hearty, flavorful soup with plenty of crusty Italian bread for dipping!
Can I Use Garlic Powder Instead of Fresh Garlic?
While fresh garlic is recommended for its robust flavor, you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Substitute about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic, but be aware it won’t have the same depth and aroma as fresh garlic.
What Can I Substitute for the White Wine?
If you prefer to skip the wine, you can replace it with an equal amount of vegetable or chicken broth, or a splash of lemon juice. This will still provide some acidity but will keep your soup alcohol-free.
How to Store Leftover Garlic Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove, adding a little more broth or water if the soup thickens too much while sitting.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just stick with vegetable broth and skip any meat-based ingredients. It’s naturally vegetarian and still packed with flavor from the garlic and herbs!
