Step-by-Step Method



Step 1: Roast the Garlic

  1. Prepare the Garlic for Roasting:
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of each garlic head to expose the tops of the cloves. Place the garlic heads on a sheet of aluminum foil, drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Wrap the garlic tightly in the foil.

  2. Roast the Garlic:
    Place the wrapped garlic in the oven and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Once done, let them cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. Mash them with a fork to create a paste and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Heat the Oil or Butter:
    In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.

  2. Cook the Onion and Celery:
    Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and translucent.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

  1. Add the Potatoes:
    Stir in the cubed potatoes, coating them with the onion and celery mixture.

  2. Add the Broth and Seasoning:
    Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring the potatoes are fully submerged. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

  1. Remove from Heat:
    Once the potatoes are cooked, remove the pot from heat.

  2. Add the Roasted Garlic:
    Stir the roasted garlic paste into the soup.

  3. Purée the Soup:
    Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Blend until smooth, then return the soup to the pot.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Finish

  1. Incorporate the Cream:
    Stir the heavy cream or whole milk into the soup. Heat the soup gently over low heat, stirring frequently, until it is warmed through. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to curdle.

  2. Adjust the Seasoning:
    Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Serving the Soup

Ladle the Roasted Garlic Potato Soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings. Chopped parsley or chives add freshness, while crumbled bacon or shredded cheddar cheese lend additional texture and flavor. Serve with a slice of rustic bread or croutons for a complete, satisfying meal.