This Authentic Italian Style Garlic Soup is simple yet packed with flavor. Made with fresh garlic, olive oil, and a hint of broth, it’s a warm hug in a bowl!
Sipping this soup feels like a cozy night in Italy. Plus, it’s quick to whip up—perfect for those “I need dinner NOW” moments! 🧄❤️
I love serving it with crusty bread for dipping. It’s like bringing a little piece of Italy to my kitchen without needing a passport!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to this dish. It’s best to use whole cloves for the best flavor. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh is superior!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil brings richness to the soup. You could substitute it with avocado oil or even butter for a different taste, but olive oil is the traditional choice.
Broth: Chicken broth adds depth, but for a vegetarian version, vegetable broth is just as good. You can even use homemade broth if you have it on hand for an extra fresh flavor.
Parsley: While fresh parsley adds brightness, you can substitute with other herbs like thyme or basil if you prefer. Just remember, fresh herbs pack more flavor than dried!
Rustic Italian Bread: This adds heartiness to the soup. If you can’t find Italian bread, use French bread or any hearty loaf. Stale bread works perfectly for croutons!
How Do I Get My Garlic to Be Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking garlic perfectly is essential because it can easily burn if you’re not careful. I recommend starting at medium heat to avoid burning. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your olive oil first, then add the sliced garlic.
- Keep stirring the garlic gently for about 3-5 minutes until it turns golden and fragrant.
- If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat. Remember, patience is key!
Once golden, it pairs wonderfully with onions to create a lush base for your soup! Enjoy the warm aroma filling your kitchen!
Authentic Italian Style Garlic Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8-10 large garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
For the Croutons:
- 2 slices of rustic Italian bread, cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
Seasoning:
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red chili flakes (optional)
Optional Garnish:
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup can be made in about 40 minutes. You’ll spend 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 30 minutes cooking and simmering your soup. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced garlic. Sauté gently until the garlic turns golden brown and releases a delicious aroma, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful; burnt garlic will make your soup bitter!
2. Cook the Onion:
Next, add the chopped onion to the pot with the garlic. Stir well and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, which should take around 5-7 minutes. The smells in your kitchen will be fantastic already!
3. Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend beautifully.
4. Make the Croutons:
While the soup simmers, let’s prepare the garlic croutons! Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Toss in the bread cubes and cook, turning often, until they are crispy and golden brown on all sides. After they’re toasted, remove from heat and mix in half of the chopped parsley for extra flavor.
5. Season the Soup:
Once the soup has simmered for 20 minutes, it’s time to season! Add salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red chili flakes if you like a bit of heat. Stir well to combine.
6. Blend to Your Liking:
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to purée the soup partially or fully. If you love some texture, just leave it as it is; both options are delicious!
7. Serve with Style:
Ladle the soup into bowls, then top with the toasted garlic croutons, extra parsley for garnish, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Yum!
8. Enjoy!
Serve this warm, comforting soup with additional slices of toasted rustic bread for dipping. Enjoy a cozy meal that feels like a hug in a bowl!
This Authentic Italian Style Garlic Soup is sure to become a family favorite! Buon Appetito!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for Croutons?
Absolutely! While rustic Italian bread works great, you can use any hearty bread like French bread or sourdough. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold up in the soup!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan cheese for serving, or use a plant-based alternative!
What Other Herbs Can I Use?
If you’re out of parsley, feel free to substitute with thyme, basil, or even chives for a unique twist. Just remember that fresh herbs generally have a stronger flavor than dried.
