Garlic Soup Italian style with crispy croutons

Описание: Here's a rustic and comforting recipe for Italian-Style Garlic Soup with Crispy Croutons — known in some regions of Italy as Zuppa d’Aglio. This simple yet deeply flavorful soup is perfect for cool evenings and highlights garlic as the star ingredient.

🧄🍲 Italian Garlic Soup with Crispy Croutons
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 25 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Garlic Soup:
10–12 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)

2 eggs

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or a small sprig of fresh thyme

1 tablespoon grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Crispy Croutons:
2 cups day-old bread, cut into small cubes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 garlic clove, halved

Salt and black pepper

Instructions
🔥 Make the Soup:
Sauté garlic & onion:
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes, until just golden (don’t let it burn).
Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Deglaze & simmer:
Pour in the wine (if using) and let it reduce for 2 minutes.
Add broth, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 15 minutes.

Egg ribbons (stracciatella style):
Beat the eggs in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle the eggs into the hot soup while stirring in a circular motion to form delicate ribbons.

Finish:
Remove from heat. Stir in cheese (if using) and adjust seasoning.

🍞 Make the Croutons:
Prep bread:
Toss bread cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Bake or pan-fry:

Oven method: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.

Stovetop method: Toast in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until evenly crisp.
Optional: Rub the warm croutons with a halved garlic clove for extra flavor.

🥄 To Serve:
Ladle the garlic soup into bowls, top generously with crispy croutons, and garnish with parsley and extra cheese if desired.

💡 Tips:
For a creamier version, stir in a splash of cream or blend part of the soup.

Vegan version: Skip the eggs and cheese; consider blending in a few white beans for body.

Rustic variation: Add torn pieces of stale bread directly into the soup for a hearty pancotto-style dish.