30 Clove Garlic Soup

You’re reading this right, the 30 clove garlic soup uses four heads of garlic… But trust me when I say, every single clove is necessary to create the deep earthy flavor!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• If you love garlic as much as I do, this recipe is right up your alley! Roasting the garlic softens the cloves to a smooth creamy texture, while mellowing out the flavors.
• This 30 clove garlic soup is a great meal prep item. You can enjoy it for a few days after making it, and even freeze a few portions for the future.
• Soup is such a great way to get your nutrients! You can pack it with veggies, spices, and other macros like fat and carbs. You even contribute to your daily hydration when you eat soup!
• Whether you’re new to cooking or a kitchen veteran, you will find this 30 clove garlic soup easy to make. It comes together in about 45 minutes, and a lot of this time is hands-off.
• If you grow your own garlic or shop wholesale, this is such a wonderful way to use up garlic as it starts to look sad.

Health and Culinary Benefits of Garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been valued for its culinary and medicinal properties for centuries. Here are some of the benefits of garlic:

• Cardiovascular Health. Garlic is known for its potential to reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. Allicin, a compound in garlic, is believed to contribute to these cardiovascular benefits.
• Antioxidant Properties. Garlic contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body. These antioxidants may contribute to overall health and may have anti-aging effects.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects. Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is associated with various diseases.
• Immune System Support. Garlic has been traditionally used to boost the immune system. It may help the body fight off infections and illnesses.
• Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties. Allicin, the active compound in garlic, has demonstrated antibacterial and antiviral properties. It may help in combating infections.
• Flavor Enhancer. Garlic adds a distinctive and robust flavor to a wide variety of dishes.
• Base for Many Recipes. Garlic often serves as the base for many recipes, such as soups, stews, sauces, and marinades, providing a rich and aromatic foundation.
• Preservative Properties. Historically, garlic has been used as a preservative due to its antimicrobial properties. It helps in preserving food and preventing spoilage.

Key Ingredients

Along with garlic, this recipe contains several ingredients that contribute to the overall flavor and texture of this 30 clove garlic soup.

• Onion. In many recipes, garlic and onion go hand-in-hand to create a flavorful base.
• Yukon gold potatoes. Potatoes are a great carb source. In this recipe, they also contribute to the creamy texture of the soup.
• Dried herbs. Rosemary and thyme are classic additions in soups and stews.
• Cashews or sunflower seeds. In plant-based cuisine, cashews or sunflower seeds become a great alternative to dairy cream when blended with water.

How to Make This Recipe

The first thing we need to do is roast the garlic to extract that deep, almost caramelized flavor. Preheat the oven to 400F.

Carefully slice the tops off the garlic bulbs and add a drizzle of olive oil. Wrap the garlic in foil and place on a lined baking sheet. Alternatively, you can use a small cast iron or a special baking dish for garlic.

Leave your garlic to roast in the oven for 40 minutes, until the cloves are soft inside their skins.

Meanwhile, saute the onion, carrot and potatoes in a large pot over medium heat until fragrant. You can do this with some oil, water, or veggie broth. This should take about 5 minutes. Once the onion starts turning translucent, add your dried herbs and stir everything together. 

Next, add vegetable stock and cashews or sunflower seeds. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the contents to a simmer. Let the soup cook for approximately 35 minutes, until the potatoes are soft and can be easily pierced with a fork. 

Once the garlic is ready, remove it from the oven and wait for it to cool down until it is safe to handle. Then, squeeze the cloves into the rest of the soup and discard the skins.

Depending on the size of your blender, you may need to process the soup in batches. However, if you have an immersion blender, that’s an ideal way to blend the whole pot of soup at once. Taste and season with salt as desired.

Hack It!

• Yukon gold potatoes are perfect for this dish thanks to the way they cook and blend with other ingredients. That said, you can use a different variety and adjust the amount accordingly.
• Depending on the type of vegetable stock you use (store-bought or homemade), you may need to add extra salt at the stage when you blend the soup.
• If your tastebuds crave some acidity to cut through the rich, earthy flavors of this 30 clove garlic soup, you can add some pickle brine, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice.
• Try this soup served with chopped chives, salt and black pepper, croutons, and vegan parmesan. 
• If you have some wilting greens or herbs, this soup is a great opportunity to stop them from going to waste.

Garlic Four Ways

Garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various forms, and the way it is prepared can significantly impact its texture and flavor. Here are different ways to cook, use, and serve garlic.

• Raw garlic has a strong, pungent flavor and a sharp, crisp texture. The flavor is released when you finely chop or mince garlic. Add to salads, salsas, dressings, or dips for a potent kick.
• Roasting garlic transforms its texture into a soft, spreadable consistency. This cooking method mellows the sharpness, creating a sweeter and nuttier flavor. Squeeze the roasted cloves from their skins and spread on bread, mix into mashed potatoes, or add to sauces for a more subtle garlic flavor.
• Sautéing garlic makes it tender and aromatic. Sautéed garlic adds a rich, savory flavor to dishes without the raw pungency. Many savory dishes use sautéed garlic as a flavor base before adding other ingredients.
• Pickled garlic has a softer, tangy texture due to the pickling process. Pickling adds a sour and slightly sweet taste to garlic. Enjoy pickled garlic as a condiment, appetizer, or as part of a charcuterie board.

Experimenting with these different preparations allows you to tailor the flavor and texture of garlic to suit various dishes and personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for a bold, sharp kick or a milder, sweet note, there’s a garlic preparation method that suits your culinary needs.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

• Marry Me Tuscan Vegetable Soup
• Red Lentil Coconut Curry
• Italian Penicillin Soup
• Roasted Butternut Squash and Pepper Soup
• Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

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