This Authentic Italian Style Garlic Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with the rich flavor of garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of broth, it’s comfort food at its finest.
If you’re like me, you might grab a slice of crunchy bread to soak up every drop. Trust me; it’s worth it! This soup is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: This recipe features garlic as the star. Fresh, whole garlic is essential for a robust flavor. If needed, you can use pre-minced garlic, but fresh really makes a difference!
Broth: Chicken broth adds depth, but vegetable broth works great for vegetarians. Homemade broth is best, but store-bought is perfectly fine. You can also use low-sodium broth if watching salt intake.
Olive Oil: A staple in Italian cooking, it enhances the flavor. Feel free to substitute with avocado oil if you prefer a higher smoke point.
Onion: Use yellow or sweet onions for a milder flavor. Red onions can work if you like a bit of bite.
Crusty Bread: Rustic Italian bread is preferred for croutons. If you don’t have that, any hearty bread will do. Sourdough adds a nice tang!
How Do I Get the Garlic Just Right?
Getting the garlic perfectly golden is key! Here’s how:
- Heat your olive oil over medium heat before adding garlic. This prevents burning.
- Once the garlic is added, keep stirring and watch closely—it only takes a few minutes to turn golden.
- If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat a bit.
This step enhances the soup’s flavor, making it rich and aromatic. Enjoy the process; the smell will be rewarding!
Authentic Italian Style Garlic Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Soup:
- 2 heads garlic, cloves peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the Croutons:
- 2 slices rustic Italian bread, cubed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: pinch of red chili flakes for subtle heat
- Optional: Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making it a quick and satisfying dish. You’ll spend a little time sautéing and simmering, followed by some blending and garnishing. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté gently until the garlic turns golden and fragrant, and the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning the garlic, as it can become bitter.
2. Add Herbs and Broth:
Add the dried oregano, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir briefly to combine all the flavors. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
3. Prepare the Croutons:
While the soup is simmering, make the croutons. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cubed bread and toast until golden and crisp, around 5 minutes. Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside.
4. Blend the Soup:
After simmering the soup, discard the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy (or transfer it carefully to a blender in batches if you don’t have an immersion blender).
5. Season and Serve:
Give the soup a taste and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes and stir well. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, top each serving with toasted croutons, and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top.
6. Optional Garnishes:
If you’re feeling indulgent, add some grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor. Serve the soup hot, ideally alongside extra crusty bread for dipping.
Enjoy this authentic Italian Garlic Soup as a delightful appetizer or a light meal that warms your heart!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for the Croutons?
Absolutely! While rustic Italian bread is preferred, any hearty bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or French bread will work beautifully for croutons. Just ensure it’s stale or toasted for the best texture.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and skip the butter for toasting the bread. Use olive oil instead to keep it fully vegan!
What Should I Do If I Have Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore the consistency and warm gently on the stove.
How Can I Make the Soup Creamier?
If you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream right before serving. You can also blend the soup longer to achieve a smoother consistency.
