Garlic and Herb Soup (Printable version)

Aromatic soup with mellow garlic, fresh herbs, and potatoes. A comforting vegetarian bowl in just 40 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
02 - 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, sliced
03 - 10 large garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

→ Liquids

05 - 4 cups vegetable broth
06 - 1 cup whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk

→ Herbs

07 - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

→ Fats & Seasoning

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Optional Garnish

12 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
13 - Croutons or toasted bread

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and leek; sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened but not browned.
02 - Add the sliced garlic and cook gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
03 - Stir in the potatoes, thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes.
04 - Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
05 - Remove from heat. Stir in the milk and most of the parsley and chives, reserving a small amount for garnish.
06 - Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth, or leave slightly chunky if preferred. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Ladle into bowls. Garnish with remaining herbs and, if desired, grated Parmesan and croutons.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The garlic becomes soft, buttery, and sweet when you treat it gently, losing all its bite and gaining all its charm.
  • It's ready in under 45 minutes, which means you can go from hungry to sipping something gorgeous before dinner plans change.
  • One pot, one blender, and you've got something that tastes like it took hours of coaxing.
02 -
  • Sliced garlic cooks more gently than minced, which is why this recipe doesn't taste like you're eating a clove—this small choice changes everything.
  • If your garlic threatens to burn, it will taste bitter and nothing will save it, so medium heat is not a suggestion, it's a promise to yourself.
  • Blending it smooth is easier and more forgiving than leaving it chunky, so if you're new to this, go for smooth the first time.
03 -
  • Make the soup a day ahead and refrigerate it—the flavors settle and deepen, and you're just reheating and garnishing when you're tired.
  • If your blender is loud or your soup is hot, let it cool a little before blending, or blend in batches so you're not cleaning soup off your ceiling.
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