Description
This creamy and comforting Roasted Garlic Soup combines caramelized garlic, sautéed onions, and aromatic herbs into a smooth, velvety broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is enhanced with a touch of cream and topped with optional savory garnishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 large heads of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Croutons
- Fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the tops of the garlic heads to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap them tightly in foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes until the garlic is soft and caramelized. Allow to cool, then squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins.
- Sauté the Onion: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Roasted Garlic: Add the roasted garlic cloves to the pot, breaking them up gently with a spoon. Stir in fresh thyme leaves, a pinch of salt, and ground nutmeg if using, to enhance the flavor complexity.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and gently simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together fully.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the hot soup in batches to a blender and blend until completely smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk to enrich the soup’s texture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Warm the soup over low heat for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of croutons, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Roasting garlic intensifies its flavor and adds a sweet, caramelized note to the soup.
- Sautéing the onion until soft adds depth and sweetness to the broth.
- Adjust herb quantities to suit your flavor preference; rosemary can be a good substitute for thyme.
- Use a high-quality broth for best results, or homemade broth if available.
- If using a blender, make sure the soup is slightly cooled and the lid vented to avoid pressure build-up.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
