Description
This Roasted Garlic Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that highlights the sweet, mellow flavors of caramelized garlic. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines roasted garlic with sautéed onions, fresh thyme, and a touch of nutmeg, finished with creamy broth and optional toppings for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Garlic and Roasting
- 3 large heads of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Soup Base
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cream and Toppings
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Optional toppings: croutons, fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of each garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap them in foil. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and caramelized. Let the garlic 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 chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent, which will develop the base flavors of the soup.
- Add Roasted Garlic and Seasonings: Add the roasted garlic cloves to the pot, breaking them up with a spoon. Stir in the fresh thyme, a pinch of salt, and ground nutmeg if using, blending the aromatic ingredients well to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Puree the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches carefully to a blender and blend until creamy. Return the blended soup to the pot for finishing touches.
- Add Cream and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk to give the soup a rich, creamy texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Warm the soup over low heat for another 5 minutes to blend all flavors perfectly.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with your choice of croutons, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture, making it a warm and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Roasting the garlic caramelizes its sugars, creating a sweeter and milder garlic flavor perfect for soup.
- Thyme can be substituted with rosemary or sage for a different herbal note.
- Croutons add a nice crunch, but toasted nuts can be an alternative topping.
- This soup can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
