This Authentic Italian Style Garlic Soup is warm and comforting, filled with rich flavors of garlic and herbs. It’s a perfect dish for chilly days or when you need a little pick-me-up!
Don’t worry if you think too much garlic is a problem; in this soup, it becomes mellow and sweet, making it simply delicious. I love pairing it with crusty bread for a cozy dinner—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the star here. You’ll want to use 6-8 cloves for that strong flavor. If you’re short on fresh garlic, try garlic paste or powder in a pinch, but fresh yields the best taste.
Broth: Vegetable broth is excellent for a lighter flavor, but chicken broth adds depth. You can use low-sodium versions to control the saltiness. Homemade broth works wonders too!
Potatoes: They help thicken and add creaminess to the soup. If you want a lower-carb option, cauliflower will also give you a creamy texture when blended.
Olive Oil: I always use extra virgin olive oil for richness. If you’re out, any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed oil will do, but you’ll miss out on that distinct flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Traditional, grated Parmesan is perfect for finishing the soup. If you’re looking for a vegan option, consider nutritional yeast sprinkled on top for a cheesy flavor.
How Do You Achieve a Creamy Texture in Your Garlic Soup?
Turning your soup into a creamy delight mainly relies on blending. Here’s how to do it right:
- After simmering, use an immersion blender directly in the pot for convenience. If you’re using a regular blender, let the soup cool a bit before blending, and blend in batches to avoid spills.
- Blend until completely smooth. The more you blend, the creamier it will be, so go for that silky texture!
- If you prefer your soup chunkier, blend only a portion of it and leave some potato pieces to add texture.
Enjoy this comforting soup with crusty bread for a fulfilling meal! Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go—it’s the key to making it just right.
Authentic Italian Style Garlic Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Croutons or toasted bread pieces (for garnish)
- Optional: a splash of white wine or lemon juice for brightness
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and around 30 minutes for cooking. So, in total, you’ll spend about 40 minutes to make this delicious soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté gently until they are softened and fragrant—this should take about 5 minutes. Just be careful not to let the garlic brown, as that could make it bitter.
2. Add the Potatoes:
Next, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Stir them around for 1-2 minutes, making sure they get coated with the garlic and onion mix. This step helps to enhance the flavors!
3. Boil and Simmer:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, which will take about 15-20 minutes. You want them soft enough to blend smoothly.
4. Blend Until Smooth:
Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until it’s nice and smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender to achieve the same consistency. Just be cautious with the hot liquid!
5. Season the Soup:
Return the smooth soup to the pot if you used a blender. Season it with salt, pepper, and your dried oregano or Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
6. Add a Touch of Brightness:
If you’d like, stir in a splash of white wine or lemon juice. This will brighten the flavors and add a lovely zing to the soup!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls, and don’t forget the garnish! Top each bowl with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and some croutons or toasted bread pieces for that extra crunch.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious soup warm, with more crusty bread on the side if you like. Dive in and enjoy the comforting flavors of this authentic Italian garlic soup!
This rich and velvety garlic soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds. Buon Appetito!
Can I Use Garlic Powder Instead of Fresh Garlic?
While fresh garlic provides the best flavor and aroma, you can substitute garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic. Keep in mind that the soup won’t have the same depth and sweetness as it would with fresh garlic.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
To make this soup vegan, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the Parmesan cheese. You can substitute the cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor if desired.
Can I Prepare This Soup in Advance?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, you can add a little more broth or water to loosen it up.
What Are Some Good Toppings for This Soup?
Besides the classic croutons and Parmesan, consider adding a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat, or even sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme also work well for extra freshness!