Garlic Soup

Garlic soup with flavored croutons

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

In a world full of sophisticated recipes, garlic soup revives tradition with a simple yet profound taste. It is a recipe that embraces you with its intense aroma and reminds you of family moments when comfort and goodness were the order of the day.

The history of this soup is closely linked to gastronomic folklore, having been used over time as a natural remedy for colds, as well as a comforting dish on colder days. Besides its flavors, garlic is renowned for its antioxidant properties and benefits for heart health. This garlic soup recipe is not only simple but also a true explosion of flavors.

Necessary ingredients:

- 12 cloves of garlic
- 2.5 L of water
- 2 vegetable stock cubes
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- Olive oil (or other vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon of margarine (optional, you can use butter for a richer taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (for decoration)
- 4 slices of bread (for croutons)
- Dried thyme, to taste

Preparing the soup:

1. Cleaning the garlic: Start by peeling the 12 cloves of garlic. An effective trick is to gently smash them with the flat side of a knife; this will make the skin come off much easier.

2. Sautéing the garlic: In a pan, add a tablespoon of oil and heat it over low heat. Add the peeled garlic and sauté, being careful not to burn it, as it will become bitter. Sauté the garlic for about 5-7 minutes, until it turns golden and aromatic. Once ready, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

3. Preparing the soup: In a 3-liter pot, add the 2.5 L of water and bring it to a boil. Add the vegetable stock cubes to the boiling water to enhance the flavor. When the water starts to boil, add the sautéed garlic, stirring gently.

4. Boiling the soup: Let the soup boil for 25 minutes. This time will allow the flavors to combine perfectly. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, dissolve the tablespoon of cornstarch in a little cold soup, stirring well to avoid lumps.

5. Thickening the soup: After 25 minutes, add the cornstarch mixture to the soup, stirring continuously. Continue to boil the soup for another 10 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

6. Preparing the croutons: While the soup is boiling, preheat the oven to 180°C. Cut the bread into slices and place them on a baking tray. In a bowl, melt the margarine (or butter), then pour it over the croutons, sprinkling salt and thyme. Mix well to evenly coat the croutons. Bake them in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until they become golden and crispy. Be careful, as they can burn easily.

7. Finalizing the soup: When the soup is ready, use a strainer to strain it if you prefer a smoother texture. Serve the soup hot, garnishing each serving with a few sprigs of fresh dill.

Serving and suggestions:

Garlic soup is served hot, alongside crispy croutons. For a touch of freshness, you can add a few drops of lemon juice to each bowl. This will balance the flavors and add a vibrant note. You can also pair the soup with a fresh green salad or a vegetable tart for a complete meal.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I replace garlic with another ingredient? Garlic is the key to this recipe, but you can experiment with onion or leek for a different flavor.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Add a little chili pepper or chili flakes during cooking for an extra kick.
- How long does the soup keep? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can freeze it, but the croutons should only be added at serving.

Nutritional benefits:

This soup is low in calories, having about 120 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Garlic brings numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It is also a good source of vitamins B and C, which support the immune system.

Possible variations:

For a vegan version, you can replace margarine with olive oil and the vegetable stock cubes with homemade vegetable soup. You can add vegetables like carrots or celery to enrich the broth.

Garlic soup is a versatile dish that can be adapted according to personal preferences. By experimenting with various ingredients and cooking methods, you can create a unique and delicious soup, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your meal!