Garlic and Herb Soup

Featured in: Meals Made At Home

This aromatic garlic and herb soup combines the mellow sweetness of slow-cooked garlic with fresh thyme, parsley, and chives. Sautéed onions, leeks, and potatoes create a creamy base when blended with vegetable broth and milk. Ready in just 40 minutes, this vegetarian and gluten-free soup serves 4 and makes an elegant starter or comforting light meal. Garnish with Parmesan and croutons for added texture and flavor.

Updated on Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:48:37 GMT
Creamy Garlic and Herb Soup garnished with fresh parsley and chives, served in a rustic bowl. Save to Pinterest
Creamy Garlic and Herb Soup garnished with fresh parsley and chives, served in a rustic bowl. | aksilkitchen.com

This Garlic and Herb Soup is a comforting, aromatic dish that highlights the natural, mellow sweetness of garlic, perfectly balanced with the brightness of fresh garden herbs. It is an ideal starter or a light, soothing meal for a cool day.

Creamy Garlic and Herb Soup garnished with fresh parsley and chives, served in a rustic bowl. Save to Pinterest
Creamy Garlic and Herb Soup garnished with fresh parsley and chives, served in a rustic bowl. | aksilkitchen.com

As the garlic and leeks simmer together, they create a savory base that is both deeply flavorful and incredibly gentle on the palate. The addition of diced potatoes ensures a naturally thick and velvety texture without the need for heavy thickeners.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, sliced
  • 10 large garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • Liquids
  • 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk
  • Herbs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • Fats & Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (omit or use vegan alternative for dairy-free)
  • Croutons or toasted gluten-free bread
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Instructions

Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and leek; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened but not browned.
Step 2
Add the sliced garlic and cook gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning.
Step 3
Stir in the potatoes, thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes.
Step 4
Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
Step 5
Remove from heat. Stir in the milk and most of the parsley and chives (reserve a little for garnish).
Step 6
Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth, or leave slightly chunky if preferred. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 7
Ladle into bowls. Garnish with remaining herbs and, if desired, grated Parmesan and croutons.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best flavor, sauté the garlic gently; if it browns too much, it can become bitter. Always check that the potatoes are fork-tender before blending to ensure a perfectly smooth and creamy consistency.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan-friendly version, simply use your favorite plant-based milk and omit the Parmesan cheese. If you prefer a more decadent and richer soup, you can substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.

Serviervorschläge

This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or toasted gluten-free rolls for dipping. To elevate the meal, serve it alongside a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the herbal notes of the dish.

Warm Garlic and Herb Soup in a white ceramic bowl, topped with grated Parmesan and crunchy croutons. Save to Pinterest
Warm Garlic and Herb Soup in a white ceramic bowl, topped with grated Parmesan and crunchy croutons. | aksilkitchen.com

Enjoy this heartwarming Garlic and Herb Soup as a nourishing starter or a comforting evening meal. Its delicate balance of savory garlic and fresh herbs is sure to make it a household favorite.

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Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, simply substitute the whole milk with unsweetened plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk. Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative for garnish.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic gently over medium heat and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes. The garlic should become fragrant and slightly softened but not browned, which would create a bitter taste.

Can I make this soup creamier?

For a richer, creamier texture, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream or full-fat coconut cream. You can also add more potatoes to create a naturally thicker consistency when blended.

How should I store leftover soup?

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or milk to thin if it thickens.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, gluten-free rolls, or homemade croutons. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad. It also complements a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can substitute with dried herbs using one-third the amount. Add dried thyme with the potatoes, but stir in dried parsley and chives at the end to preserve their flavor.

Garlic and Herb Soup

Aromatic soup with mellow garlic and fresh herbs. A comforting vegetarian starter perfect for cool days.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Overall Prep Time
40 minutes
Recipe by Marcus Ridge


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine European

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details Vegetarian, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 1 large onion, finely chopped
02 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, sliced
03 10 large garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
04 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

Liquids

01 4 cups vegetable broth, gluten-free
02 1 cup whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk

Herbs

01 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
02 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
03 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Fats & Seasoning

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish

01 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative
02 Croutons or toasted gluten-free bread

How to Prepare

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sliced leek; sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened but not browned.

Step 02

Cook Garlic: Add the sliced garlic and cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.

Step 03

Build Base: Stir in the diced potatoes, thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes.

Step 04

Simmer Vegetables: Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 05

Incorporate Dairy: Remove from heat. Stir in the milk and most of the parsley and chives, reserving a small amount for garnish.

Step 06

Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth, or leave slightly chunky if preferred. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 07

Serve: Ladle into bowls. Garnish with remaining herbs and, if desired, grated Parmesan and croutons.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large saucepan
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Immersion blender or countertop blender
  • Ladle

Allergy Warnings

Review all ingredients to find possible allergens and consult a medical expert for concerns.
  • Contains milk if using dairy; can be made dairy-free with plant-based milk
  • Contains gluten if served with regular bread or croutons; use gluten-free alternatives if needed
  • Parmesan cheese contains milk; omit or use a vegan substitute for dairy-free

Nutrition Data (Per Serving)

Use these nutrition details for guidance only—they aren't a substitute for your doctor's advice.
  • Energy: 185
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Proteins: 5 g