Creamy Eggplant Parmigiana Soup
Warm up with a bowl of our Creamy Eggplant Parmigiana Soup, a delightful twist on the classic Eggplant Parmesan dish. This rich and hearty soup merges the robust flavors of sautéed onions and garlic with tender chunks of eggplant, all simmered to perfection in a savory chicken broth and vibrant tomato juice. Packed with fragrant parsley and thyme, each spoonful is a comforting embrace that will remind you of your favorite Italian comfort food. Perfect for family gatherings or events, this catering-sized recipe serves 30 portions, making it ideal for those chilly evenings or busy weekends. Leftovers are a dream come true for a quick lunch—the flavors intensify with each reheating! Cut the recipe in half for a smaller family meal that won’t last long.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 cup (None)
onions
6 medium (chopped)
garlic cloves
6 (minced)
eggplants
6 (peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces)
chicken broth
12 cups (None)
tomato juice
6 cups (None)
parsley
1 1/2 cups (minced)
thyme
1 1/2 tablespoons (None)
salt
to taste (None)
pepper
to taste (None)
mozzarella cheese
to garnish (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent, about 2 minutes.
3
Stir in the cubed eggplant and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the eggplant to soften slightly.
4
Pour in the chicken broth and tomato juice, and then add the minced parsley and thyme.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30 minutes until the eggplant is tender.
6
Once cooked, taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
7
Serve hot in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top until melted.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Eggplant Parmigiana Soup?
It is a rich and hearty soup that offers a twist on the classic Italian Eggplant Parmesan dish, merging sautéed onions, garlic, and tender eggplant in a savory tomato and chicken broth.
How many servings does this catering-sized recipe make?
This specific recipe is designed for large gatherings or events and serves 30 portions.
Can I make a smaller batch of this soup?
Yes, you can easily cut the recipe in half or into smaller portions to suit a smaller family meal.
Do I need to peel the eggplant for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe recommends peeling the eggplants before cubing them into 1-inch pieces.
What is the base liquid for the soup?
The soup base is made from a combination of 12 cups of chicken broth and 6 cups of tomato juice.
What herbs provide the fragrance in this soup?
This recipe uses 1.5 cups of minced fresh parsley and 1.5 tablespoons of thyme for its signature aroma.
How long does it take to simmer the soup?
Once the mixture is brought to a boil, you should reduce the heat and simmer it covered for 30 minutes.
How is the soup garnished?
The soup is served hot in bowls and topped with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
You should sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil for about 2 minutes until they become translucent.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the flavors intensify with each reheating, making leftovers a great option for lunch.
Can I substitute the chicken broth to make it vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this a fully vegetarian meal.
What size should the eggplant pieces be?
The eggplant should be cubed into roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
How much olive oil is required for the catering size?
The large-batch recipe requires 1 cup of olive oil to sauté the aromatic vegetables and eggplant.
Does this soup contain added sugar?
Based on the ingredients list, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
How do I know when the eggplant is ready?
The eggplant is ready when it is tender, which usually takes about 30 minutes of simmering.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley is recommended for flavor, you can use dried parsley, though you may need to reduce the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
What type of pot should I use?
A large stockpot is recommended to accommodate the high volume of broth and eggplant for 30 servings.
Is the soup naturally gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed (vegetables, broth, tomato juice, herbs, and cheese) are naturally gluten-free, but always check your broth labels.
Should the soup be served hot or cold?
This soup is best served hot to ensure the mozzarella cheese garnish melts properly.
What are the primary flavors in this dish?
The primary flavors are savory garlic and onion, earthy eggplant, and acidic yet sweet tomato juice, balanced with fresh herbs.
Can I add salt and pepper during the cooking process?
The recipe suggests seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking once the soup has finished simmering.
How much garlic is in the catering recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 cloves of minced garlic.
What is the preparation method for the onions?
The 6 medium onions should be chopped before being sautéed in olive oil.
Is this a quick recipe?
With a 2-minute sauté, 5-minute browning, and 30-minute simmer, the soup takes approximately 40-45 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
Can I use an immersion blender for a smoother texture?
Yes, although the recipe calls for chunks of eggplant, you can blend the soup if you prefer a smoother, creamier consistency.
How much tomato juice is needed?
You will need 6 cups of tomato juice for the full 30-serving batch.
What kind of eggplant works best?
Standard large eggplants (Globe eggplants) are typically used for this style of recipe.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in airtight containers, but consider adding the mozzarella garnish only when reheating and serving.
Is this a heavy or light soup?
It is described as rich and hearty, making it a comforting meal, yet it is vegetable-forward.
What events is this recipe recommended for?
It is ideal for family gatherings, catering events, or large-scale meal prepping.