Introduce the Garlic: Add all 50 garlic cloves to the pot. Stir well to coat them in the oil and onions. Lower the heat to medium-low. This step is crucial: You need to cook the garlic for about 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. Do not let the garlic brown or burn! Burnt garlic is bitter garlic. We are aiming for a beautiful, golden-yellow color and a sweet, nutty fragrance.
Add the Broth: Pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth. Give it a good stir, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
The Final Touch & Serving Suggestions
Page 3: Simmer, Blend, and Savor
Now for the final phase where the soup thickens and all the flavors marry into a wonderful symphony. This is where you transform simple ingredients into a creamy, dreamy soup without any cream!
Simmering & Thickening
The Stale Bread Secret: Once the soup is simmering, add the 3 cups of diced stale bread. Stir it in. The bread will rapidly start to absorb the liquid and break down. This is the traditional way to thicken this rustic soup, adding body and a lovely, smooth consistency.
The Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the soup simmer for another 20 minutes. This ensures the garlic is perfectly tender, almost melting, and the bread has fully disintegrated.
Season and Blend: After simmering, remove the soup from the heat. Now, you have a choice:
Rustic: For a more traditional, slightly lumpy texture, simply mash any remaining garlic cloves against the side of the pot.
Creamy (Recommended): Use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender) and blend until it is perfectly smooth and creamy. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
Final Adjustments: Taste the soup. Add salt, pepper, or a pinch of dried herbs (like thyme or parsley) as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
🍽️ Serving and Enjoying
Ladle the hot, golden soup into bowls. For an extra flourish, you can garnish with:
A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley (for a pop of green!)
Homemade crunchy croutons or a slice of toasted bread on the side.
Conclusion
This Garlic Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a ritual of warmth, flavor, and nourishment. Each spoonful delivers soft, mellowed garlic, rich broth, and a creamy, comforting texture that satisfies both the body and soul. The addition of stale bread as a natural thickener makes this recipe approachable and resourceful, turning simple pantry staples into a soup worthy of a gourmet table.
Enjoy it rustic for a chunky, homey feel, or blend it into a silky-smooth delight that feels indulgent without the cream. Garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil, it becomes a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Best of all, this soup can be enjoyed as a wholesome lunch, a restorative dinner, or a nurturing remedy on a chilly day. With every bowl, you’re not just eating—you’re savoring a centuries-old tradition of flavor, warmth, and wellness. Garlic soup isn’t just food; it’s a golden hug in a bowl, ready to lift your spirits and nourish your body.
