Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Bisque Recipe
This Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Bisque is a smooth, flavorful soup that combines the deep sweetness of slowly caramelized onions and leeks with the rich, mellow taste of roasted garlic. Finished with a touch of white wine and creamy milk, it makes a comforting and elegant starter or light meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Roasted Garlic
- 1 large whole garlic head
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 9 cups thinly sliced sweet onions (about 4 large onions)
- 2 ½ cups sliced leeks (light green and white parts only, about 2 medium leeks)
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Soup Base and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup dry white wine
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups milk
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for roasting the garlic.
- Roast Garlic: Remove the papery outer skin from the whole garlic head without separating the cloves. Rub ½ tablespoon olive oil on the garlic head, wrap it tightly in foil, and bake for 1 hour. After baking, let it cool for 10 minutes, then separate and peel the cloves, placing them in a small dish for later use.
- Caramelize Onions and Leeks: While the garlic roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and leeks and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Then add ½ teaspoon salt and dried thyme, and continue cooking uncovered for another 30 minutes or until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized, stirring occasionally. Add a small amount of water if the mixture starts to stick or cook too quickly, scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Create Roux and Add Liquids: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste. Pour in the white wine and vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes to develop flavors.
- Blend Soup: Add the roasted garlic cloves and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt to the onion mixture. Transfer this mixture into a blender and blend until very smooth. You may need to do this in batches depending on your blender’s size.
- Finish Soup: Pour the blended soup back into the large saucepan, stir in the milk, and gently simmer for 8 minutes until heated through. Adjust seasoning with freshly ground black pepper if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme leaves and additional freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use sweet onions such as Vidalia for best caramelization and flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker bisque, reduce the amount of milk or simmer a few extra minutes before blending.
- For a vegan version, substitute milk with a plant-based alternative and ensure the vegetable broth is vegan.
- Blending in batches prevents overfilling the blender and ensures a smooth consistency.
- Serving with crusty bread or a grilled cheese makes this bisque a hearty meal.
Keywords: caramelized onion soup, roasted garlic bisque, creamy onion soup, vegetarian soup, comforting fall soup, homemade bisque
