Four Heads of Garlic Soup is a delightful dish that brings together the rich, sweet flavors of roasted garlic with creamy textures. This soup is perfect for cozy nights, dinner parties, or as a comforting weeknight meal. With its unique combination of ingredients, this recipe promises to satisfy garlic lovers and provide a warm hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The roasted garlic brings an incredible depth to the soup, making each spoonful deliciously satisfying.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with raw cashews and kale, this soup is not just tasty but also loaded with nutrients.
- Vegan Comfort Food: This recipe is entirely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and those looking for healthy comfort food.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this gourmet soup without any fuss.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare Four Heads of Garlic Soup efficiently, having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Large soup pot
- Blender (standing or immersion)
- Knife and chopping board
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender: A high-quality blender ensures that the cashews blend smoothly into a creamy texture, which is key for this soup.
- Large Soup Pot: A spacious pot allows you to cook all ingredients evenly and prevents overflow when simmering.
Ingredients
Four roasted heads of garlic make this soup super garlicky, slightly sweet, and completely decadent.
For the Soup Base
- 4 heads garlic
- 4 tsp. olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
For the Soup Mixture
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup raw cashews (see note)
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
For the Greens
- 4 cups shredded kale, tough ribs removed
How to Make Four Heads of Garlic Soup
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 F. This temperature is ideal for roasting garlic until it becomes soft and caramelized.
Step 2: Roast the Garlic
- Slice off just the tops of the garlic bulbs so that the cloves are revealed inside.
- Place all four bulbs open side up on a large square of foil.
- Pour 1 tsp. olive oil over each bulb and sprinkle each with a little salt and pepper.
- Wrap them up in the foil and place on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 40 minutes until the cloves are very soft.
- Allow the garlic heads to cool so you can handle them more easily.
Step 3: Make the Soup Base
- In a large soup pot, heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and begin to brown.
- Stir in vegetable broth, water, raw cashews, nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until the cashews are softened.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
- Working in batches, carefully transfer the soup mixture to a blender; do not overfill it to prevent eruptions.
- Squeeze out the roasted garlic from their skins into the blender.
- Blend until completely smooth and creamy; use an immersion blender if necessary but note that standing blenders generally yield better results.
Step 5: Finalize Your Soup
- Return the blended soup to the pot.
- Add shredded kale and bring back to a simmer.
- Cook for another 5 minutes until the kale has softened.
- Serve hot and enjoy your decadent Four Heads of Garlic Soup!
How to Serve Four Heads of Garlic Soup
Four Heads of Garlic Soup is a rich and flavorful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want to enhance your dining experience or simply enjoy it as a comforting meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your soup game.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh touch and brightens the flavor.
- Chives: A mild onion flavor that complements the garlic perfectly.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough bread: Its tangy flavor pairs well with the sweetness of the roasted garlic.
- Garlic bread: For an extra garlic kick, serve with slices of buttery garlic bread.
Serve with a Drizzle of Olive Oil
- Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle on top enhances richness and adds depth to the flavor profile.
Add a Squeeze of Lemon
- Fresh lemon juice: A splash can brighten the soup’s flavors and balance the richness.
How to Perfect Four Heads of Garlic Soup
Creating the perfect Four Heads of Garlic Soup requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for an exceptional result.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality vegetable broth will elevate your soup’s flavor.
- Roast the garlic properly: Ensure that the garlic is soft and caramelized for a sweet, deep flavor.
- Blend thoroughly: For a creamy texture, blend until completely smooth; don’t rush this step.
- Adjust seasoning wisely: Taste before serving; add more salt or pepper if needed for balance.
- Store leftovers correctly: Keep any extra soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Four Heads of Garlic Soup
To create a well-rounded meal, consider these side dishes alongside your Four Heads of Garlic Soup. Each option complements the soup’s robust flavors while adding variety to your table.
- Simple Green Salad: A mix of greens dressed lightly with vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with quinoa or rice, they provide protein and texture contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection bring color and nutrients to your meal.
- Vegan Cheese Plate: A selection of plant-based cheeses pairs beautifully with the soup’s garlicky goodness.
- Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs can be a delightful side.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the savory soup nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the right techniques is crucial for making a delicious Four Heads of Garlic Soup. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Not roasting the garlic long enough: Roasting garlic enhances its sweetness and flavor. Make sure to roast until the cloves are very soft for the best results.
- Skipping the blending step: Blending the soup is essential for a creamy texture. If you skip this, your soup may be chunky rather than smooth.
- Using raw cashews: Raw cashews add creaminess but require cooking to soften. Always soak or cook them before adding them to the soup.
- Overcooking the kale: Kale should be added towards the end of cooking. This keeps it vibrant and slightly crunchy, enhancing both texture and flavor.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for a well-balanced soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Four Heads of Garlic Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Four Heads of Garlic Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Four Heads of Garlic Soup.
Can I use less garlic in this soup?
If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to reduce the number of garlic heads. However, this soup’s unique taste comes from using four heads!
How can I make this Four Heads of Garlic Soup gluten-free?
All ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this recipe worry-free!
What can I substitute for cashews?
For a nut-free option, try using sunflower seeds or silken tofu. Both will provide creaminess without nuts.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include veggies like carrots or potatoes for added nutrition and flavor. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Four Heads of Garlic Soup is perfect for meal prep. It stores well and tastes even better after flavors meld together overnight.
Final Thoughts
Four Heads of Garlic Soup is not only rich and comforting but also versatile enough for various dietary preferences. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection!
Four Heads of Garlic Soup
Four Heads of Garlic Soup is a heavenly blend of roasted garlic and creamy textures, perfect for cozy evenings or entertaining guests. This delicious vegan soup highlights the sweet, rich flavors of garlic, complemented by nutrient-packed cashews and kale. With its warm embrace, this recipe will surely delight garlic enthusiasts and anyone seeking a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting/Boiling
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 4 heads garlic
- 4 tsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup raw cashews
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 4 cups shredded kale
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the tops off the garlic heads, drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil each, sprinkle with salt and pepper, wrap in foil, and roast for 40 minutes until soft.
- In a large pot, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onion for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add vegetable broth, water, cashews, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper; bring to a simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Squeeze roasted garlic into the pot and blend until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.
- Return the soup to the pot, add shredded kale, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
