The other day I was looking for soup recipes, because ‘tis the season! And I came across a garlic soup. This should not have surprised me the way it did, because I love garlic and it’s literally makes its way into every meal I eat. But the idea of an actual garlic soup was weird to me (for like 5 seconds), then I realized it was the best idea in world and I was upset I had not come across it earlier or came up with it myself.
Garlic is one of those things that I have rarely heard anyone complain about. It is very well-liked by most, and those that avoid it seem to do so because of a particular reason, like an allergy or that it just doesn't sit right in their stomach. I have yet to actually hear someone say they just don’t like the taste of garlic. Cause why would they?
Garlic has been around for since forever, and has long been popular as a folk remedy, all over the world.
I am constantly amazed at the many different ways that garlic can be used. It’s so versatile, aromatic and did I already mention delicious? It’s one of those perfect foods that really add meaning to the Hippocrates quote, “Let food your medicine and medicine be your food.”
In fact, garlic was used as a natural antibiotic when there were no pharmacies or modern day drugs and is often referred to as the most important preventative remedy. I mean it’s the true embodiment of a whole food.
Garlic originally comes from Middle Asia. In ancient China, garlic recommended for conditions like depression, due to its stimulating effects. In the kitchen, you might often find garlic chillin’ with its cousins chive, onion, or even leeks. They work well together and their flavours compliment each other beautifully.
Here are some more reasons to add more garlic into your life (you know, besides warding off vampires, which is the first obvious choice).
Nutrition
Garlic is packed with all sorts of nutrients and minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, manganese and vitamin C to name a few. Just another reason to make sure these little bulbs get a front seat in your everyday meals.
Natural cold medication
Beat the common cold by adding garlic to your foods. You can also use garlic as a preventative tool by making sure that you incorporate it into your meals on a regular basis.
Reduce blood pressure
Cardiovascular disease affects all sorts of people across the board, and it is no joke. High blood pressure is one of the most important drivers that lead to this growing epidemic. Garlic supplementation in high doses can help lower blood pressure and can be as effective as some medications. Like always, consult your main medical provider before trying anything new.
Improves cholesterol levels
Cholesterol issues got you down? Or rather up? Get some garlic into you stat! Garlic is known to reduce your bad cholesterol, which in turn may help you get back to regular, healthy levels.
Live long and prosper
Because of garlic’s many health benefits, it is suspected that having it on a regular basis will help you live longer. After all, if you are healthy, you generally live longer.
Flavour
Garlic is delicious and even though some people aren’t crazy about garlic breath, it’s totally worth it. Not only is it aromatic and flavourful, but it can be the perfect missing ingredient or addition to any meal.
Garlic soup
Ingredients:
• 6 bulbs of garlic (I know! It’s a lot)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 6 cups veggie stock
• 1 can of coconut milk
• Himalayan salt
• Cracked pepper
• ½ cup fresh chives to garnish
Directions
1. Cut the tops off the garlic bulbs, place on a large sheet of aluminum foil and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap in aluminum foil and place in slow cooker on medium for 2 hours (another option is to roast them in the oven).
2. Remove roasted garlic and foil from the slow cooker. Squeeze the garlic from the pods and return to slow cooker.
3. Add chopped onions, herbs (fresh and dried). Pour in vegetable stock and apple cider vinegar. Cover and cook on high for an additional 4–5 hours.
4. Just before serving, remove the herbs and pour the soup into a blender (or use an immersion blender). Add coconut milk and mix until you get a creamy mixture. Add salt and pepper, and pour some chives on top when serving.
