Garlic and Herb Soup (Printable)

Aromatic, creamy blend of sweet garlic and fresh herbs creates this comforting European-style soup perfect for cool days.

# 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 or vegan alternative
13 - Croutons or toasted gluten-free bread

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and leek; sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened but not browned.
02 - Add the sliced garlic and cook gently for 2 to 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 mellows into this incredible sweet creaminess that even garlic-skeptics find irresistible, trust me on this one.
  • Its ridiculously forgiving, perfect for those evenings when youre stirring with one hand and answering texts with the other.
02 -
  • Never let the garlic brown when sautéing, it turns bitter and will ruin the delicate balance of your soup.
  • Adding milk off-heat prevents any chance of curdling, a mistake I made exactly once before learning my lesson.
03 -
  • Take your time sweating the onions, leeks, and garlic, the patient development of these base flavors is what separates a good soup from an unforgettable one.
  • Keep the soup slightly under-salted until just before serving, as reduction during cooking and the addition of potentially salty garnishes like Parmesan can quickly tip the balance.
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