This Authentic Italian Style Garlic Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Made with fresh garlic, broth, and simple herbs, it’s both tasty and soothing. Perfect for chilly days!
I love how easy it is to whip up this soup. Just a quick sauté, some simmering, and voilà! Pair it with crusty bread, and you’ve got a cozy meal. Yum! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor to the soup. If you’re out of it, consider light olive oil or avocado oil as substitutes. I prefer the smooth taste of extra virgin for its quality.
Garlic: The star of this dish! Use fresh cloves for the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but the taste won’t be as vibrant. Don’t shy away from adding more if you love garlic!
Broth: You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or chicken broth for a heartier flavor. Homemade broth is delightful if you have the time, but store-bought works well too!
Potato: A medium potato helps to creamify the soup. If you’re avoiding carbs, you could use cauliflower instead for a lighter version. It gives a lovely texture without the heaviness.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the soup’s flavor. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan twist) can work too. I always go for fresh; it’s worth it!
How Do You Achieve a Creamy Texture Without Heavy Cream?
To make this garlic soup creamy without using heavy cream, we rely on blending potatoes. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot. This saves you from dealing with extra dishes!
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, let the soup cool a bit, then carefully blend it in batches in a regular blender—this makes it silky smooth.
- For a rustic texture, blend just half and leave some potato chunks for a bit of bite.
Achieving that creamy consistency is key to making this soup comforting and delicious. Don’t rush the blending part—it’s worth taking that little bit of extra time!
How to Make Authentic Italian Style Garlic Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (plus extra sliced for garnish)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (for creaminess)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or a few sprigs of fresh thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread slices, toasted (for serving)
- Optional: drizzle of olive oil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking, bringing your total time to around 40 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, but special enough for guests, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes softened and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn as it can turn bitter.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the diced potato, broth, and water into the pot. Stir in the thyme, along with salt and pepper to taste. This is where the flavors start to come together, so taste and adjust as you see fit!
4. Simmering Time:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the potatoes are very tender. This should take about 20 minutes. You want the potatoes to be easily pierced with a fork.
5. Blend It Up:
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer batches of the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious with hot liquids!
6. Cheese It Up:
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and adds an extra layer of creaminess to the soup. Taste again and adjust seasoning if necessary with more salt and pepper.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the soup hot, garnishing each bowl with fresh chopped parsley, extra sliced garlic (lightly sautéed if you like), and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. For a finishing touch, drizzle a little olive oil on top. It adds a lovely flavor!
8. Enjoy with Bread:
Pair your garlic soup with toasted slices of crusty bread on the side for dipping or float a few pieces right in the soup for a delightful crunch!
This garlic soup is rich, comforting, and brimming with authentic Italian flavors, perfect on its own or alongside a fresh green salad. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Less Garlic in This Soup?
Yes! If you’re not a huge garlic fan, you can reduce the amount to 1-2 cloves, or even omit the extra sliced garlic for garnish. The soup will still be flavorful, just a bit milder!
What Can I Substitute for the Potato?
If you’re looking to lighten the soup or avoid potatoes, you can use cauliflower instead. Just chop it into small florets and add it along with the broth. It will blend smoothly and give you that creamy texture without the carbs.
How Long Does Leftover Soup Last?
After cooking, let the soup cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.
Can I Freeze Garlic Soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just make sure it’s completely cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove for a quick meal!