Soup Lovers’ Delight: Roasted Garlic Chicken & Creamy Tomato Thyme

Nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of soup, especially when it’s made with fresh ingredients that burst with flavor. Whether you’re craving the rich and hearty Roasted Garlic Chicken Soup or the creamy and velvety Creamy Tomato Thyme Soup, both offer a satisfying experience perfect for cozying up. These soups not only warm the soul but also pack in nutrition with delicious flavors to enjoy year-round.

Roasted Garlic Chicken Soup

This soup is a comforting and hearty blend of chicken, roasted garlic, and fresh vegetables, simmered in a creamy béchamel base with a hint of thyme. It’s the perfect soup to enjoy on a chilly evening.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)

• 1 bulb garlic, roasted

• 1 leek, chopped

• 1 cup béchamel sauce

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

• 1 carrot, diced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 cups chicken stock or broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Cut the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it in aluminum foil. Roast for about 30-40 minutes until the garlic is soft and caramelized.

• Once roasted, squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

• Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken, shred it, and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

• In the same pot, add the chopped leek, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.

• Add the roasted garlic and thyme, stirring for another 2 minutes to release the flavors.

Step 4: Make the Soup

• Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.

• Add the shredded chicken and béchamel sauce. Stir well and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme leaves or a sprinkle of grated cheese if desired. Enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!

Creamy Tomato Thyme Soup

This soup is rich, velvety, and packed with the goodness of tomatoes, thyme, and a touch of cream for that perfect creamy texture. It’s a classic favorite with an aromatic twist.

Ingredients

• 6 ripe tomatoes, chopped

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 carrot, chopped

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp pizza pasta sauce (optional for extra flavor)

• 1 tbsp refined flour (for thickening)

• 1 cup milk

• Salt to taste

• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

• In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.

• Add the chopped onion, carrot, and tomatoes. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Flour

• Sprinkle the refined flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine. This will help thicken the soup later.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

• Add the milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

• Pour in the pizza pasta sauce, pepper, and a pinch of salt to taste. Continue simmering for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.

Step 4: Blend and Add Cream

• Once the soup has cooked, use an immersion blender (or regular blender) to puree the soup until smooth.

• Stir in the heavy cream, mixing until fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Serve

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For Roasted Garlic Chicken Soup:

• Make it richer: Add a splash of cream or extra béchamel sauce for a creamier texture.

• Vegetarian option: Use mushrooms or tofu in place of chicken for a plant-based version.

• Add greens: Spinach or kale can be added for extra nutrition.

For Creamy Tomato Thyme Soup:

• Add a kick: Spice things up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

• Herb variations: Try substituting thyme with basil or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

• Smooth and chunky: If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the soup briefly instead of blending it completely.

Nutrition Comparison

Both Roasted Garlic Chicken Soup and Creamy Tomato Thyme Soup offer satisfying flavors, each providing a comforting and nutritious meal. Whether you're in the mood for something hearty or a lighter creamy soup, these recipes will satisfy your soup cravings.