Welcome to a culinary journey that will awaken your senses and warm your soul—Zuppa D'Aglio, or Garlic Soup, is a cherished Italian classic that promises to be a delightful addition to your recipe repertoire. Imagine a velvety broth infused with the rich aroma of garlic, perfectly complemented by a hint of thyme and served alongside crusty, golden bread. This simple yet elegant dish is not only a comforting choice for chilly evenings but also a testament to the beauty of Italian cuisine. Ready to impress your family and friends with a bowl of this heartwarming soup? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of garlic, cloves separated and peeled
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Separate the cloves of garlic from the head and peel them. You will need a total of about 10-12 cloves, depending on their size.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the peeled garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté the garlic gently, stirring occasionally, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Once the garlic is sautéed, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the teaspoon of thyme to the pot. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend only half of the soup or use a potato masher instead.
- Once blended, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the crusty bread. You can toast it in the oven or on a grill until golden brown and crispy. This will enhance the flavor and texture when served with the soup.
- To serve, ladle the hot garlic soup into bowls and accompany it with slices of the toasted crusty bread. Enjoy your delicious Zuppa D'Aglio with a sprinkle of extra thyme or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Garlic: The star of this dish is garlic, so opt for fresh, firm heads. The more flavorful the garlic, the better your soup will taste!
- Control the Heat: When sautéing the garlic, keep the heat on medium to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the flavor of your soup.
- Blend to Your Liking: If you prefer a smooth soup, use an immersion blender until you achieve your desired consistency. For a heartier texture, blend only half or use a potato masher.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. A pinch of salt or a dash of pepper can elevate the flavors, so don’t hesitate to adjust to your preference.
- Perfect Pairing: Serve your Zuppa D'Aglio with a side of toasted crusty bread. Consider drizzling the bread with olive oil or rubbing it with a garlic clove for an extra flavor boost.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can add a touch of elegance and enhance the dish’s presentation.
- Make It Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
