Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and yet surprisingly healthy meal? Look no further than this creamy garlic soup recipe! This easy-to-make soup is bursting with the rich aroma of garlic, offering a delightful creamy texture without any heavy cream. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy lunch, or even a sophisticated appetizer. This homemade recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are surprisingly simple to prepare, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this stunningly simple and satisfying bowl of goodness!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you're a garlic lover!)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup peeled and diced potatoes
- 1 cup peeled and diced carrots
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for vegan option)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter.
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Add Vegetables and Broth: Add the diced potatoes and carrots to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring the vegetables are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
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Blend the Soup: Once the vegetables are cooked, carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender). Blend until the soup is smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, vent the lid slightly to prevent pressure buildup.
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Stir in Cream and Season: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Heat through gently, but do not boil.
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Serve and Garnish: Ladle the creamy garlic soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
Cooking Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Soup:
- Don't burn the garlic! Low and slow is the key to perfectly sautéed garlic.
- Adjust the garlic quantity: Feel free to add more or less garlic depending on your preference. Garlic lovers might enjoy using up to 8 cloves!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will significantly enhance the flavor of the soup.
- For a thicker soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer the soup uncovered for a few more minutes after blending to reduce the liquid.
Variations:
- Spicy Garlic Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Tomato Garlic Soup: Add 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes along with the broth for a richer, tomato-based soup.
- Roasted Garlic Soup: Roast a whole head of garlic before mincing it for an even deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This creamy garlic soup is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a special occasion. Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe!