Boiled Water

This Mediterranean classic, as ancient and almost as simple as boiling, is the quintessential beginner’s or just plain basic soup. It’s one you’ll cook forever.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 to 10 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 thick slices French or Italian bread (slightly stale bread is fine)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino Romano cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine 4 cups of water with the crushed garlic, bay leaf, and some salt and pepper in a saucepan or stockpot. Bring to a boil, cover partially, and turn the heat to very low. Let the liquid bubble gently for 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, brown the slices of bread in the oil, turning once, for a total of about 5 minutes.
3. Place the bread in individual bowls and top with the grated cheese.
4. Strain the soup into the bowls, discarding the garlic and bay leaf. Garnish with chopped parsley.
5. Serve the soup hot.

VARIATIONS:

• Roasted Garlic Soup: Substitute 10 or more cloves of Roasted Garlic for the crushed garlic. Alternatively, cook the crushed garlic in the olive oil until fragrant and slightly browned, then chop it finely and add it to the soup in Step 1.
• Tomato-Garlic Soup: Add 2 cups of chopped tomatoes (canned is okay; don’t drain) in Step 1. Do not strain the soup.
• Lime-Garlic-Coconut Soup: Omit the olive oil, bread, and cheese. Juice and zest 2 limes. In Step 1, use 1 can of coconut milk (about 1 1/2 cups) and 3 cups of water, along with the lime zest. Omit Step 2. Add the lime juice to the soup right before straining. Optionally, serve the soup over a small mound of plain white rice, bean threads, or rice vermicelli. Garnish with cilantro instead of parsley.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Serve the Boiled Water Soup as a light appetizer before a main course. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, such as grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or pasta.
• Accompany the soup with a fresh green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Garnish each bowl of soup with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for added richness and flavor.
• For a heartier meal, serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or breadsticks for dipping.
• Sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan or pecorino Romano cheese on top of each serving for extra cheesiness.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice over the soup to brighten the flavors and enhance the tanginess.
• For a complete vegetarian meal, pair the soup with a protein-rich dish like grilled tofu or a chickpea salad.
• Serve the soup in small cups or shot glasses as a part of a cocktail party or appetizer spread.
• Consider serving the soup as a starter for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner menu, alongside dishes like Greek salad, stuffed grape leaves, and grilled lamb skewers.

Enjoy the simplicity and versatility of the Boiled Water Soup and experiment with different accompaniments to suit your taste preferences and occasion.

Enjoy this simple and versatile soup as a comforting and flavorful dish.