Garlic cream soup

Garlic cream soup is a recipe that will win you over from the very first spoonful, even if you are not a big fan of cream soups. This soup has an intense flavor, a velvety texture, and a taste story that will transport you, reminding you that some of the simplest dishes can bring the greatest joys. The challenge of preparing it began when a friend asked me to make her this soup she savored on her travels. After exploring several recipes and adjusting them to my taste, I created a version that left everyone impressed. So, let's get to work!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients for vegetable soup:
- 2.5 liters of water
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsnip
- 1 parsley root
- 1 potato
- 1 small celery
- 1 onion

Ingredients for garlic cream soup:
- 20 large garlic cloves
- 1 medium onion
- 40 g butter
- 200 g cream with 40% fat
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- Parmesan (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Potato bread croutons (for serving)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Crispy fried bacon (optional, for extra flavor)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the vegetable soup:
- Start by cleaning the vegetables: carrot, parsnip, parsley root, potato, celery, and onion. Wash them well and cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking.
- Place the vegetables in a large pot and add 2.5 liters of water. Sprinkle a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Bring the water to a boil and let the vegetables cook until tender, about 20-25 minutes. The goal is to obtain a concentrated soup, so make sure that after boiling, about 1 liter of liquid remains.

2. Preparing the cream soup:
- While the vegetables are boiling, prepare the garlic. Peel the 20 garlic cloves and cut them in half. This will help release the flavors during cooking.
- In a separate pot, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. When the butter starts to sizzle, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion turns golden and the garlic releases its strong aroma. Use a wooden spoon to gently crush the garlic.

3. Mixing the ingredients:
- Add the vegetable soup (the liquid obtained earlier) to the pot with onion and garlic. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream with the flour, salt, and pepper. This combination will add extra creaminess to your soup. Start incorporating this mixture into the soup, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Let the soup simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens.

4. Finishing and serving:
- Once the soup has thickened, it’s time to serve it. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, achieving a smooth and creamy consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender, but make sure to let the soup cool a bit to avoid accidents.
- For serving, add a few crispy croutons to each bowl, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and if desired, a drop of lemon juice for a pleasant contrast of acidity. If you are a meat lover, add a few pieces of crispy fried bacon for an even more intense flavor.

Practical tips:
- Garlic: Choose large garlic cloves as they have a more intense flavor. If you want a less pungent soup, you can reduce the amount of garlic to 15 cloves.
- Croutons: You can make croutons from stale bread by cutting it into cubes and toasting them in a bit of butter or olive oil. Add seasonings like garlic powder or dried herbs for extra flavor.
- Variations: If you want a spicier soup, add a finely chopped chili pepper while sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Nutrition: This soup provides a good source of vitamins from the vegetables, such as vitamin A from carrots and vitamin C from garlic. Also, garlic is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions:
- How can I store the soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze it in portions to have it on hand when you don't have time to cook.
- Can I add other vegetables? Of course! You can experiment with vegetables like zucchini or broccoli to diversify the soup's flavor.
- What drinks pair well? Garlic cream soup pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or an herbal tea that complements the intense flavor of garlic.

In conclusion, garlic cream soup is more than just a simple soup; it is a culinary experience that combines flavors and textures in a delicious way. Whether you enjoy it on cold winter evenings or at a festive meal, this dish will surely leave an unforgettable impression. So, put on your apron and let’s cook together!

 Ingredients: For vegetable soup 2.5 l water 1 carrot 1 parsnip 1 parsley root 1 potato 1 small celery 1 onion For cream soup 20 large cloves of garlic 1 medium onion 40 g butter 200 g cream with 40% fat 2 tablespoons of flour Parmesan salt pepper Bread croutons with potato garnish: parsley optional lemon juice crispy fried bacon

 Tags:  potatoes onion garlic cream soup carrots soup soup recipe parsley vegetable cream soup