Creamy Roasted Garlic Soup Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes | Prep Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
After an exhaustive search and numerous recipe trials, I finally stumbled upon a delightful recipe that closely resembles the creamy roasted garlic soup my husband enjoyed at a restaurant in Ohio. If you’re a garlic enthusiast, this recipe is a true treasure. The rich, velvety texture combined with the deep, roasted garlic flavor makes this soup an irresistible comfort food. The preparation time includes an hour for roasting the garlic, but if you’re like me and keep roasted garlic handy in your refrigerator, you might find the process even quicker. This soup is perfect for cozy winter evenings or springtime gatherings. 🌰🥄
Ingredients:
- 4 heads of garlic
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 leek, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/3 cup dry sherry
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- White pepper to taste
- 4 slices of French baguette
- 4 slices of provolone cheese
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it prepares your oven for roasting the garlic to perfection. -
Prepare Garlic:
Slice off the top quarter inch of each garlic head. Place the garlic heads in a small, shallow baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil generously over the garlic heads, ensuring they are well-coated. -
Roast Garlic:
Bake the garlic in the preheated oven for approximately one hour, or until the garlic cloves are golden brown and fragrant. The slow roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the garlic and gives it a wonderful depth of flavor. -
Cool and Extract Garlic:
Allow the roasted garlic to cool slightly once it’s done baking. Gently press the individual garlic cloves between your thumb and finger to release the soft, aromatic garlic paste. Discard any papery skins. -
Sauté Aromatics:
In a large, heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the roasted garlic, chopped leeks, and onions to the pan. Sauté the mixture until the onions become translucent and the leeks are tender, which should take about eight minutes. -
Create a Roux:
Reduce the heat to low and add the flour to the saucepan. Stir continuously for about ten minutes to cook the flour, creating a smooth roux that will thicken the soup. -
Add Liquids:
Gradually stir in the hot chicken broth and dry sherry. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld beautifully during this time. -
Puree Soup:
After simmering, let the soup cool slightly. Puree the soup in batches using a blender or food processor until it is smooth and creamy. Be cautious with hot liquids and ensure you don’t overfill the blender. -
Finish the Soup:
Return the pureed soup to the saucepan. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for an additional ten minutes, or until the soup thickens to your desired consistency. -
Season to Taste:
Add lemon juice, salt, and white pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to balance the flavors. -
Prepare the Toast:
While the soup is finishing, toast the French baguette slices until they are crispy and golden. -
Assemble and Broil:
Place a slice of toasted baguette in the bottom of each bowl. Ladle the creamy soup over the toast. Top each bowl with a slice of provolone cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler on low for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Serve:
Serve the soup hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors that are perfect for any garlic lover.
Notes:
- Roasting garlic in advance can save time. Keep some roasted garlic in your refrigerator to speed up preparation.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Whether you’re preparing this soup for a cozy family dinner or a sophisticated gathering, its creamy texture and bold garlic flavor are sure to impress. Serve with a side salad or a simple green vegetable for a complete meal. Enjoy every spoonful of this luscious, garlic-infused delight! 🧄🍲🧀
