Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, from Grill Drip, ready to welcome you into my delicious corner of the internet! I’m all about turning meals into something special. Today, we’re diving headfirst into a flavor adventure with one of my ultimate comfort food creations: Homemade Garlic Soup.
I remember the first time I made this Homemade Garlic Soup. It was a late-night kitchen experiment fueled by a serious craving for something warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor. I had a ton of garlic on hand and thought, “Why not?”. Little did I know, this spur-of-the-moment decision would lead to a recipe that I now make all the time.
The aroma alone was enough to get me hooked. But that first spoonful? Absolute magic! The creamy texture, the bold garlic flavor, the subtle sweetness… it was a revelation. It was a happy accident turned into a family favorite. This isn’t your grandma’s bland soup.
I’m beyond excited to share this Homemade Garlic Soup recipe with you. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds sing! So, grab your aprons, and let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Homemade Garlic Soup ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Don’t be scared by the amount of garlic – trust me, it’s worth it.
- 4 heads of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth if you prefer)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread, for serving
Here’s my Homemade Garlic Soup secret that takes it from good to incredible: roasting the garlic! It mellows out the harshness and brings out a sweet, nutty flavor that’s absolutely divine. No worries if you don’t have fresh thyme. I use dried thyme all the time in my Homemade Garlic Soup, and it works perfectly.
You can grab everything during your normal shopping trip. This Homemade Garlic Soup gets its amazing taste from the roasted garlic, so don’t skimp on it!
I love adding extra black pepper to my Homemade Garlic Soup for that extra kick. Store any unused garlic in a cool, dark place for up to a week.
Let’s Make Some!
This is my favorite part of making Homemade Garlic Soup – watch the delicious magic happen! Let’s dive in!
- Roast the garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the tops off the garlic heads, exposing the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. While your garlic is roasting, get ready for some amazing aromas! Roasted Garlic Soup – Good Dinner Mom explains the roasting process in detail too!
- Sauté the onion: While the garlic is roasting, heat the remaining olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor for our Homemade Garlic Soup.
- Squeeze the garlic: Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into the pot with the onions. Mash the garlic with a fork. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth), add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully in this Homemade Garlic Soup. In my kitchen, this Homemade Garlic Soup usually takes about 20 minutes to reach that perfect flavor harmony.
- Blend until smooth: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender, working in batches. Be careful when blending hot liquids! This is the key to that velvety texture we all crave in a Creamy Garlic Soup.
- Stir in cream: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk for a vegan option) and heat through. Do not boil. This step adds richness and creaminess to our Homemade Garlic Soup, taking it to the next level.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or thyme to your liking. Your Homemade Garlic Soup should smell absolutely incredible right now!
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the Homemade Garlic Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping. And prepare for a flavor explosion!
Don’t worry if your Homemade Garlic Soup looks a little lumpy before blending. It will all come together in the end! Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. This is my favorite part of making Homemade Garlic Soup.
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Homemade Garlic Soup hits the table with crusty bread! I love to enjoy this Homemade Garlic Soup on a chilly evening, curled up on the couch with a good book. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
This Homemade Garlic Soup is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It pairs perfectly with a simple grilled cheese sandwich or a side salad. The bold flavors of the soup complement the richness of the cheese and the freshness of the salad.
For presentation, I like to drizzle a little olive oil on top and add a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for extra creaminess. For a fusion twist, try adding a swirl of pesto or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Get creative and have fun with it!
Leftover Homemade Garlic Soup can be transformed into a delicious pasta sauce. Simply toss it with cooked pasta and add some grilled chicken or vegetables. I’ve served this at countless game nights, and it always gets rave reviews. My friends are always asking for the recipe!
This Homemade Garlic Soup is perfect for special occasions like holidays or birthdays. Serve it as an appetizer or a light meal. It’s sure to impress your guests.
FAQs:
Here are some frequently asked questions about my Homemade Garlic Soup. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have more!
Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Homemade Garlic Soup?
A: Absolutely! This Garlic Soup Recipe is super straightforward. Just follow the steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of deliciousness in no time! Trust me, if I can do it, you can do it!
Q: Can I make this Vegan Garlic Soup?
A: Yes, you can! Simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or another plant-based cream. The taste will be slightly different, but still incredibly delicious! Check out Four Heads of Garlic Soup (vegan & super creamy) • It Doesn’t Taste … for inspiration!
Q: What if I mess up my Homemade Garlic Soup? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
A: Don’t worry! Even if you accidentally burn the garlic or add too much salt, it’ll still be edible. Just taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Trust your instincts!
Q: How can I prep this Homemade Garlic Soup for busy weeknights?
A: You can roast the garlic ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also chop the onion and store it in an airtight container. That way, when you’re ready to make the soup, it’ll come together in minutes!
Q: Can I freeze this Homemade Garlic Soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze Homemade Garlic Soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop.
Q: What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
A: No problem! You can use a regular blender instead. Just be careful when blending hot liquids, working in batches. Make sure to vent the blender lid to prevent explosions!
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this Homemade Garlic Soup?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or celery. Just sauté them along with the onion. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations!
Q: I’m not a garlic fan but love garlic soup, any tips?
A: If you’re not a huge garlic fan, don’t worry, roasting the garlic will still sweeten the soup and not give you that garlic kick. If that doesn’t help, feel free to use less garlic, but I suggest still using the garlic as it will blend well with other spices.
CONCLUSION:
This Homemade Garlic Soup brings me so much joy because it’s a simple, comforting, and delicious meal that I can always rely on. It’s perfect for a chilly evening, a sick day, or any time you need a little pick-me-up.
My Homemade Garlic Soup Flavor Secrets:
- Roast the garlic: This is the key to unlocking the sweet, nutty flavor of garlic.
- Don’t be afraid of salt: Salt is essential for bringing out the flavors of the soup.
- Taste and adjust: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and flavor combinations.
Here are a few Homemade Garlic Soup variations I’ve tested and loved:
- Spicy Garlic Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat. Try pairing with spicy black bean soup.
- Cheesy Garlic Soup: Add a handful of shredded cheese (like cheddar or Gruyere) to the soup before serving.
- Creamy Tomato Garlic Soup: Add a can of diced tomatoes to the soup along with the broth.
For a chilly evening, I love the classic Creamy Garlic Soup. For a sick day, I prefer the Healthy Garlic Soup with extra thyme. And for a special occasion, I make the Cheesy Garlic Soup.
Trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen! I’m so excited for you to try this Homemade Garlic Soup recipe and experience the delicious magic for yourself! Remember to enjoy the process and have fun. It’s also important to have fun in the kitchen! If you make garlic soup for the first time, feel free to post it on reddit! Any Garlic Soup lovers in here? This is how I make mine. : r/FoodPorn
Homemade Garlic Soup
This Homemade Garlic Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a chilly day. It’s surprisingly easy to make and packed with the immune-boosting benefits of garlic.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden (be careful not to burn).
- Pour in vegetable broth, add thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread, if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can add a swirl of cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.