Save There is nothing quite like the aroma of roasting garlic to make a kitchen feel warm and inviting. This Roasted Garlic Soup is the ultimate comfort meal—velvety, aromatic, and deeply rich. It transforms humble bulbs of garlic into a sophisticated, creamy soup that is perfect for warming up on a chilly day or giving your immunity a gentle boost.
Save By roasting the garlic before simmering it with fresh vegetables and broth, you remove the harsh bite of raw garlic and replace it with a mellow, sweet depth. This soup is a staple for those seeking a nourishing, flavorful meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 3 large heads of garlic
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Garnishes: Chopped fresh parsley, croutons or toasted gluten-free bread, drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the tops off the garlic heads to expose the cloves. Drizzle with a little olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden.
- Step 2
- Allow the garlic to cool, then squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins and set aside.
- Step 3
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Step 4
- Add the roasted garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring.
- Step 5
- Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 6
- Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a countertop blender in batches) to purée the soup until smooth.
- Step 7
- Stir in the heavy cream and heat gently for 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 8
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Roasting the garlic is the essential step for building flavor; ensure it is truly soft and golden to achieve the signature sweetness. If you use a countertop blender, be careful when blending hot liquids—always leave a gap for steam to escape. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper added during the simmering process provides a lovely warmth.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream. If you are sensitive to gluten, ensure you serve the soup with toasted gluten-free bread or skip the croutons entirely. You can also add a small potato to the base for even more thickness without needing extra dairy.
Serviervorschläge
This soup is wonderful when served with a side of crusty artisan bread for dipping. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a light sandwich. For a fancy touch, garnish each bowl with a few drops of high-quality olive oil and fresh parsley just before serving.
Save Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a starter for a dinner party, this Roasted Garlic Soup is sure to impress. Enjoy every savory, velvety spoonful.
Recipe FAQs
- → How does roasting garlic change its flavor?
Roasting garlic at high temperature for 35-40 minutes transforms its sharp, pungent raw flavor into something sweet, mellow, and deeply aromatic. The cloves become soft and golden, developing caramelized notes that blend beautifully into the creamy base.
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. This soup actually tastes better the next day as flavors have time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk. Coconut cream works well for a dairy-free option and adds subtle sweetness. Olive oil creates a lovely velvety texture without any cream while keeping it vegan.
- → Why should I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth keeps this vegetarian-friendly while allowing the sweet roasted garlic flavor to shine through without competing with meaty notes. A high-quality vegetable broth provides the perfect savory foundation.
- → How do I get the smoothest texture?
An immersion blender works wonderfully right in the pot. If using a countertop blender, purée in batches and be careful with hot liquids—remove the center cap of the lid and cover with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape. Blend for 1-2 minutes until completely silky.
- → What garnishes work best?
Fresh chopped parsley adds color and brightness. Homemade croutons or toasted gluten-free bread provide satisfying crunch. A final drizzle of good olive oil enhances richness, while a pinch of cayenne offers subtle warmth for those who enjoy a bit of heat.