Hearty Roasted Garlic Soup
There is nothing quite like the aroma of roasting garlic to make a house feel like a home. This soup is a powerhouse of flavor, utilizing 50 cloves of garlic that mellow and sweeten as they cook, resulting in a velvety, sophisticated dish that is as comforting as it is delicious.
While some claim it is “100 times more effective than antibiotics,” it is important to remember that while garlic has wonderful natural properties, it is a culinary delight rather than a medical replacement for professional healthcare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Mellow Flavor: By roasting or slow-simmering the garlic, the sharp “bite” disappears, leaving behind a nutty, buttery sweetness.
- Simple Ingredients: It uses humble pantry staples like onions, bread, and broth to create a gourmet experience.
- Thick and Creamy: The use of stale bread to thicken the soup gives it a rustic, satisfying texture without needing heavy amounts of cream.
Ingredients
| Item | Quantity |
| Peeled Garlic Cloves | 50 cloves |
| Large Onions (Diced) | 2 |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Chicken Broth (or Vegetable) | 6 cups |
| Stale Bread (Cut into cubes) | 3 cups |
| Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Thyme) | For garnish |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste |
Instructions
1. Sauté the Base
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they are translucent and fragrant.
2. Mellow the Garlic
Add the 50 peeled garlic cloves to the pot. Cook them slowly with the onions for about 5–8 minutes. You want them to soften and turn slightly golden without burning, which can make the soup bitter.
3. Simmer
Pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the garlic cloves are completely tender.
4. Thicken with Bread
Add the 3 cups of stale bread cubes to the pot. Let them soak in the broth for about 5 minutes until they have softened completely. The bread acts as a natural thickener, giving the soup its creamy body.
5. Blend to Perfection
Using an immersion blender (or transferring in batches to a standard blender), blend the soup until it is completely smooth and velvety.
6. Final Seasoning
Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or an extra drizzle of olive oil.
Pro-Tips for Success
- Peeling Hack: To peel 50 cloves quickly, place the unpeeled cloves in a large metal bowl, invert another bowl on top, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. The skins will fall right off!
- The Bread Matters: Use a crusty loaf like sourdough or French bread for the best flavor and texture.
- Vegetarian Option: Simply swap the chicken broth for a high-quality vegetable stock.
