Roasted Garlic Soup Recipe: Ingredients, Tips, and Variations

Roasted garlic soup is a delicious and comforting dish that has been cherished for centuries across various cultures. Its rich, creamy texture and robust flavor make it a favorite, especially during colder months. Originating from European cuisine, particularly Italian and Spanish traditions, this soup showcases the incredible versatility and health benefits of garlic. But what exactly is garlic soup made of, and how does roasting enhance its flavor? Let’s dive in and discover the magic behind roasted garlic soup.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering roasted garlic soup, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Soup

• 3 heads of garlic (roasted)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk for a vegan option)
• 2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1 teaspoon thyme (dried)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Croutons (optional)
• Drizzle of olive oil (optional)

Instructions

Roasting the Garlic

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Garlic: Cut the tops off the garlic heads to expose the cloves. Place the heads on a sheet of aluminum foil, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil, and wrap tightly.
3. Roast the Garlic: Place the wrapped garlic heads in the oven and roast for about 35-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
4. Cool and Extract: Once roasted, allow the garlic to cool slightly, then squeeze the cloves out of their skins into a bowl. Set aside.

Making the Soup

1. Sauté the Onions: In a large pot, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the Potatoes and Thyme: Stir in the diced potatoes and thyme, cooking for another 5 minutes.
3. Combine the Ingredients: Add the roasted garlic, vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender.
5. Add the Almond Milk: Stir in the almond milk, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup heat through but avoid bringing it to a boil again.

Tips and Variations

Tips

• Peeling Garlic Easily: To quickly peel garlic, place the cloves in a jar and shake vigorously. The skins should come off easily.
• Making Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Enhancing Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the onions while sautéing.

Variations

• Roasted Garlic Soup No Cream: For a lighter version, skip the almond milk and add more vegetable broth.
• Vegan Option: Ensure all ingredients are plant-based, which this recipe already adheres to.
• Garlic Soup Italian Style: Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (for non-vegan) and a handful of fresh basil leaves.
• Simple Roasted Garlic Soup: Simplify by using only garlic, onions, broth, and a splash of milk.
• Creamy Roasted Garlic Soup: For a richer version, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of almond milk.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving:

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g

Conclusion

Roasted garlic soup is not only incredibly flavorful but also packed with health benefits. Roasting garlic mellows its pungency, bringing out a sweet, nutty flavor that transforms this humble ingredient into a gourmet delight. Whether you’re looking for a comforting vegan soup or a traditional Italian garlic soup, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any palate. Try it today, and don’t forget to share your experience with us on easycrispyrecipes.com.