This Italian Garlic Soup is warm and cozy, perfect for chilly days. With lots of garlic, broth, and a touch of herbs, it brings comfort in every spoonful!
Add some croutons or a sprinkle of cheese for extra yum! Honestly, I make this when I need a hug in a bowl—it never fails to make me feel better! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: This soup shines thanks to garlic. Use fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor. If you run out, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but use less (1/8 teaspoon per clove).
Onion: A medium onion contributes sweetness and depth. Shallots can be a lovely substitute if you’re looking for something milder. They add a nice twist!
Broth: You can use vegetable or chicken broth based on your preference. If you’re out, homemade broth can elevate the flavor, or just add water with extra seasonings if needed.
Potatoes: Regular potatoes give a creamy texture when blended. Sweet potatoes can be a fun swap, bringing a different sweetness to the dish.
Wine: The white wine adds complexity, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, simply replace it with an equal amount of broth or lemon juice for acidity.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. Kale works well too, just chop it finely and let it cook a bit longer until it softens.
How Can You Achieve the Best Flavor When Sautéing Garlic and Onions?
Getting the garlic and onions just right sets the stage for amazing flavor in your soup. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat oil: Start with medium heat. Too hot will burn the garlic.
- Sauté gently: Add garlic and onion; stir frequently. You want them soft and aromatic, taking about 5-7 minutes. They should not brown as it can change the flavor.
- Aromas: When they smell great and are tender, you’re on the right path to a rich base for your soup!
Remember, patience is key here. Take your time to get this step right for a wonderful, flavorful garlic soup!
How to Make Delicious Italian Garlic Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8-10 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
For Topping:
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
- Croutons, for topping
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook, making it a hearty meal within 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the finely chopped garlic and diced onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and translucent. You want the garlic to be fragrant but careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
2. Adding the Wine:
If you’re using white wine, pour it into the pot now! Cook for 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate, which enhances the flavor of the soup. If you’re skipping the wine, just go to the next step.
3. Building the Broth:
Next, toss in the diced potatoes, broth, water, bay leaf, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. Cook until the potatoes are very tender, which should take about 20 minutes.
4. Blending the Soup:
After the potatoes are tender, carefully remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Just be careful as it’s hot!
5. Adding Spinach:
Stir in the roughly chopped spinach and cook for another 5 minutes, just until the spinach has wilted and is tender. This is where you can check for seasoning—taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed.
6. Serving:
Now it’s time to serve your beautiful garlic soup hot! Ladle it into bowls and top each serving with some croutons for a nice crunch, a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese if you fancy it. Finish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color!
Every spoonful is filled with warmth and flavor. Enjoy your homemade Italian Garlic Soup with crusty Italian bread on the side for a complete meal!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Potatoes in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! If you have pre-cooked potatoes, simply add them after blending the soup to heat through, stirring gently until warmed. This will save you cooking time!
How to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative. The soup will still be creamy and delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of White Wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, substitute it with the same amount of broth or a splash of lemon juice. This will keep the flavor bright without the alcohol.
