Slow-Roasted Garlic and Potato Soup
This potato soup involves roasting garlic and potatoes together to develop deep, caramelized flavors, resulting in a silky, creamy texture. The process uses a slow cooker to allow the flavors to meld gently, producing a hearty and comforting bowl with a rich appearance and smooth consistency.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Baking sheet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Blender or immersion blender
Ingredients
- 6 cloves garlic bulbs whole heads for roasting, peeled after roasting
- 4 large potatoes Yukon Gold or Russet for creaminess
- 2 cups vegetable broth for blending into the soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting and sautéing
- to taste salt and pepper seasoned to preference
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the whole garlic heads and peeled potatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss gently to coat.
- Roast the garlic and potatoes in the oven for about 30-40 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and golden and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a small bowl; mash them into a paste.
- While the garlic cools, peel the roasted potatoes if needed and chop them into chunks.
- Transfer the roasted potatoes and garlic paste to the slow cooker. Add the vegetable broth and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for about 4-6 hours, until the potatoes are completely soft and the flavors have melded into a comforting broth.
- Once cooked, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker or carefully transfer to a blender to blend until silky smooth. Be cautious with hot liquids.
- Return the blended soup to the slow cooker (if using a traditional blender) and heat gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust thickness with additional warm broth if needed.
- Scoop the finished soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot for a smooth, velvety, and flavorful potato soup.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle with crispy bacon bits or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil before serving.