Hearty Garlic Elixir Soup
This is not just any garlic soup; it's a culinary hug in a bowl that wraps you in warmth and comfort. The Hearty Garlic Elixir Soup is a wonderful balance of robust garlic flavor, vibrant tomato notes, and nourishing broth that feels like a soothing balm for whatever challenges life has thrown your way. This elegant yet hearty soup combines the aromatic essence of fresh ingredients with rich, savory notes that linger beautifully on your palate. Each spoonful is a reminder of cozy kitchens, healing moments, and relentless culinary love. Perfect for rekindling your spirits after a rough night or rekindling your heart during cold and rainy days, this soup becomes a riveting experience when paired with crunchy garlic croûtes and topped with creamy avocado slices. Sprinkle some finely minced herbs over the top to brighten the dish and finish with a refreshing fruity dessert, and you’ve created not just a meal but a nourishing ritual.
6
Servings
100
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic
2 large heads (separated into cloves, unpeeled)
chicken or vegetable stock
6 cups (well-flavored)
whole cloves
3
dried sage
1/2 teaspoon
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (leaf)
parsley sprigs
3
pepper
to taste
tomato juice or V8 vegetable juice
2 cups (low sodium preferred)
alphabet pasta or small shell pasta
3/4 cup
egg yolks
3
garlic bread croûtes
6-8 ((link provided))
sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
4-6 ounces (shredded)
fresh parsley or cilantro
for garnish (finely minced)
ripe avocado
1 (pitted, peeled, and sliced (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large stockpot, combine the unpeeled garlic cloves, stock, whole cloves, dried sage, dried thyme, and parsley sprigs. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
3
After simmering, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing down on the solids to extract all the garlic goodness. Scoop out any garlic puree remaining in the sieve and add it back to the broth. Discard the peels and spent herbs.
4
Add the tomato juice to the strained soup, returning it to a boil. Stir in your pasta of choice and cook until tender—approximately 5 minutes for small pasta shapes or 8-10 minutes for larger ones.
5
While the pasta cooks, beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl. When the pasta is ready, ladle a small amount of hot soup into the beaten yolks, whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
6
Once combined, quickly whisk the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the soup pot, allowing the soup to thicken almost immediately. Remove the pot from heat to avoid overcooking the yolks.
7
In each soup bowl, place a garlic bread croûte then generously top with a handful of shredded cheese. Carefully ladle the hot soup over the croûtes, making an aromatic embrace for the cheese.
8
Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, finely minced parsley or cilantro, and if desired, a few slices of ripe avocado for a creamy touch. Relish every sip and celebrate the healing power of this delightful soup!
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
12
Carbs
2.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Garlic Elixir Soup?
It is a robust and nourishing soup featuring garlic, tomato juice, and pasta, described as a culinary hug and a healing ritual.
How much garlic do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 large heads of garlic, separated into cloves.
Do I need to peel the garlic cloves before cooking?
No, the garlic cloves are added to the stock unpeeled and are strained out later.
What kind of stock should I use?
You can use 6 cups of either chicken or vegetable stock, as long as it is well-flavored.
How long does the soup broth need to simmer?
The broth mixture should simmer uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Why must the soup be strained through a sieve?
Straining removes the garlic skins and spent herbs while allowing you to press the garlic puree back into the broth for extra flavor.
When do I add the tomato juice?
Add the tomato juice after the broth has been strained and returned to a boil.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Alphabet pasta or small shell pasta are recommended for this recipe.
How long does the pasta take to cook?
Small pasta shapes take about 5 minutes, while larger shapes may take 8 to 10 minutes.
Why are egg yolks used in this soup?
The egg yolks are used to thicken the soup and add a creamy richness.
How do I properly temper the egg yolks?
Whisk a small amount of hot soup into the beaten yolks before adding the entire mixture back to the pot.
Can I boil the soup after adding the egg yolks?
No, you should remove the pot from heat immediately after adding the yolks to prevent overcooking or curdling.
How is the soup served with bread and cheese?
Place a garlic bread croute in a bowl, top it with shredded cheese, and ladle the hot soup over them.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese are the best choices for shredding over the soup.
What are the suggested garnishes for this soup?
Garnish with finely minced fresh parsley or cilantro, and optionally, slices of ripe avocado.
Is this soup good for a hangover?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a hangover soup and a healing soup due to its nourishing properties.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of this soup?
There are 12 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving provides 2.5 grams of protein.
What dried herbs are used in the broth?
The broth is flavored with dried sage and dried thyme leaf.
Can I use low-sodium vegetable juice?
Yes, low-sodium tomato juice or V8 vegetable juice is actually preferred.
What spices are used for the aromatic base?
The recipe uses 3 whole cloves and pepper to taste for the aromatic base.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, if you use vegetable stock, the soup is vegetarian-friendly.
How should the avocado be prepared for garnish?
The avocado should be pitted, peeled, and sliced before being added to the soup.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe uses parsley sprigs in the broth and finely minced fresh parsley for the garnish.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe consists of 14 different ingredients.
Is this a good recipe for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a warm soup perfect for cold and rainy days.
How do I handle the garlic after boiling it in the stock?
Press down on the garlic solids in the sieve to extract the puree, then discard the spent peels.