Garlic soup

Garlic soup is simple, comforting, and surprisingly rich for such humble ingredients. Here’s a classic, easy garlic soup you can make anytime—plus a couple of variations if you want to level it up.

Classic Garlic Soup (Serves 4)

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 whole head of garlic (about 10–12 cloves), peeled and sliced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 slice stale bread or ½ cup breadcrumbs (traditional thickener)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional: pinch of paprika or thyme

Instructions

1. Sauté the Garlic

   • Heat olive oil or butter in a pot over medium-low heat.

   • Add garlic and onion; cook gently until soft and fragrant (do not brown the garlic).

2. Add Broth & Bread

   • Pour in broth and add bread or breadcrumbs.

   • Season with salt, pepper, and paprika or thyme if using.

3. Simmer

   • Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

4. Blend (Optional)

   • For a smooth soup, blend until creamy.

   • For rustic style, leave it chunky.

5. Serve

   • Drizzle with olive oil and add fresh herbs if desired.

Popular Variations

🥚 Spanish Garlic Soup (Sopa de Ajo)

• Add smoked paprika

• Crack an egg into the simmering soup and stir gently

• Serve with crusty bread

🧀 Creamy Garlic Soup

• Add ½ cup cream or milk at the end

• Top with grated Parmesan

🧄 Roasted Garlic Soup

• Roast the whole garlic head first for a sweeter, milder flavor

• Squeeze cloves into the soup before simmering

Tips

• Low heat = sweet garlic flavor

• Roasting garlic removes harshness

• This soup gets better the next day

If you want, I can give you a 5-ingredient ultra-quick garlic soup or a rich restaurant-style version that tastes fancy but is still easy.