Save Roasted Garlic Soup is a comforting, velvety dish that brings the mellow sweetness of slow-roasted garlic to center stage. Perfectly suited for chilly days, this soul-warming soup is not only delicious but also packed with immunity-boosting benefits, making it an ideal choice for a cozy night in.
Save This European-style soup transforms simple pantry staples like potatoes and onions into a sophisticated appetizer or a light lunch. The process of roasting whole heads of garlic fills your home with an incredible aroma and creates a depth of flavor that is truly unmatched.
Ingredients
- Roasted Garlic: 4 large heads of garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Soup Base: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped), 1 large russet potato (peeled and diced), 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, 1 cup whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, Croutons or toasted bread (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Roast the Garlic
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the tops off the garlic heads to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35-40 minutes until soft and golden. Allow to cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins.
- Step 2: Sauté the Onion
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Simmer the Base
- Add diced potato, roasted garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Step 4: Purée the Soup
- Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches.
- Step 5: Finish and Season
- Return the soup to the pot. Stir in milk and heat gently until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley and optional croutons or toasted bread.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To save time, you can prepare the roasted garlic in advance and keep it refrigerated. When it comes to blending, using an immersion blender directly in the pot is the easiest method for achieving that perfect, velvety consistency.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan-friendly version, simply substitute the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and unsweetened almond or oat milk. If you enjoy a bit of warmth, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added for a subtle heat that complements the garlic's sweetness.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this soup alongside some crusty toasted bread or a fresh baguette to turn it into a heartier meal. The addition of fresh parsley and crunchy croutons provides the perfect textural contrast to the smooth soup.
Save With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and simple steps, this Roasted Garlic Soup is an accessible yet elegant addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether for a light appetizer or a comforting dinner, it is sure to please everyone at the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How does roasting garlic change its flavor?
Roasting transforms pungent raw garlic into something sweet, mellow, and subtly nutty. The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars, removing any harsh bite while creating deep, savory complexity that forms the soul of this soup.
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. This soup actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld together. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to restore consistency.
- → What creates the creamy texture without heavy cream?
The russet potato breaks down during simmering, releasing natural starches that create luxurious body and silkiness. Combined with puréed roasted garlic and a modest amount of milk, you get velvety richness without relying on heavy cream.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Perfect for meal prep. The roasted garlic can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated. The soup itself freezes well for up to 3 months—just cool completely before freezing and leave a bit of headspace in containers for expansion.
- → What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, toasted baguette slices, or homemade croutons create lovely texture contrast. A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness. For a heartier meal, pair with a grilled cheese sandwich or savory tart.
- → How do I adjust the garlic intensity?
The roasting naturally mellows garlic, but you can easily adjust. For more pronounced garlic flavor, add an extra head during roasting. If you prefer subtler notes, use only 3 heads. Taste after puréeing before adding final seasonings.