Creamy Wild Garlic Soup

Creamy Wild Garlic Soup is an easy chunky soup recipe made with foraged wild garlic, potatoes, peas and ham. Serve with crusty bread for a delicious seasonal treat.

Why make Creamy Wild Garlic Soup?

Creamy Wild Garlic Soup is one of the first recipes I make when I see wild garlic growing in the woods close to where I live. The soup is so quick and easy to make and the wild garlic adds a delicious punch of flavour to the everyday ingredients that make up the recipe.

What does Creamy Wild Garlic Soup taste like?

This Wild Garlic Soup is like a rich creamy chowder. It is packed full of chunks of potatoes, sweet peas, pieces of ham and the ham stock is enriched with milk and cream. The wild garlic complements the smoky ham and the potatoes absorb the mild garlic flavour of the wild garlic leaves.

What ingredients do I need for the soup?

Other than Wild Garlic, the ingredients you need for Wild Garlic Chowder are everyday ingredients that you are likely to have in your larder or fridge. Here’s what you need:

• olive oil
• butter
• onion
• baby new potatoes
• cooked ham
• ham stock
• frozen peas
• cornflour (cornstarch)
• turmeric
• milk
• salt and freshly ground pepper
• wild garlic leaves

A full list of the ingredients and the required quantities is found in the recipe card at the end of this article.

What kind of butter should I use in Creamy Wild Garlic Soup?

I use salted butter because that is what I use for everything. You can use unsalted butter if you prefer but you will have to adjust the seasoning.

Can I use a butter substitute?

Creamy Wild Garlic Soup uses both olive oil and butter to saute the onion. If you don’t want to use butter then increase the olive oil.

Can I use ordinary potatoes?

Wild garlic is a seasonal spring herb and early new potatoes are generally available at the same time. I use baby new potatoes because they are easy to cut into small pieces and don’t disintegrate into the soup.

You can use other potatoes but you may have to peel them and, depending on the variety, they may disintegrate and change the texture of the soup. Find out which potatoes are suitable for different dishes in this helpful guide.

What kind of ham should I use?

I use shredded ham hock in the Wild Garlic Soup. I buy it ready shredded in a package from the supermarket. However, I have also made this soup with chunks of cooked ham from a larger ham. You can use any ham or even pieces of crisply fried bacon or pancetta.

Can I use fresh peas in Creamy Wild Garlic Soup?

I use frozen peas in this soup because fresh peas are generally not available at the same time as wild garlic. If you have a good supply of fresh peas then you can certainly use them in the soup.

Why add turmeric to the wild garlic soup?

I add a pinch of turmeric because it gives the soup a little extra colour. It does not add to the flavour so if you prefer you can leave it out.

What is Wild Garlic? 

Wild Garlic is also known as Ransoms and is a leafy plant that appears in spring.   You can eat the young leaves and the flowers which both have a pungent smell of garlic but are mild in flavour. 

Where does Wild Garlic Grow?

It grows on the woodland floor often close to water.  Always pick wild garlic far from the roadside and traffic pollution. Get more information about foraging for wild garlic on the Countryfile website

How do I prepare Wild Garlic?

Wash the Wild Garlic carefully then you can use it just as you would other herbs. You can also store it wrapped in damp kitchen paper and a plastic bag in the salad drawer of the fridge. It will keep for 2 or 3 days stored like this without any ill effect.  

Can I freeze Wild Garlic?

Chop wild garlic leaves finely and put in ice cube trays then cover with olive oil and freeze.  Drop these cubes into soups and stews to add a little wild garlic flavour.  You can also freeze wild garlic pesto and Wild garlic butter.

What can substitute for Wild Garlic?

If you can’t find any Wild Garlic you can still make this delicious soup. Add a large crushed clove of garlic with the onion and replace the sliced wild garlic leaves with chives or sliced spring (green) onions. 

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Creamy Wild Garlic Soup before you want to use it. It will keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup gently in a pan stirring frequently until piping hot. If you reheat it in the microwave be careful because the milk may boil up quickly and overflow your container.

Can I freeze Creamy Wild Garlic Soup?

This soup freezes very well. Let it cool and put it into freezer-proof containers, freeze and keep for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and heat over a low heat in a saucepan, or in the microwave. Make sure you heat previously frozen soup to boiling point before serving.

Vegetarian

This recipe contains ham and ham stock and is not suitable for vegetarians. However, you can make a vegetarian version if you leave out the ham and use vegetable stock.

Gluten Free

There are no obvious wheat products in this recipe. However please check that your stock cubes do not contain any gluten.

For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.

How do I serve Creamy Wild Garlic Soup?

This is a hearty and filling soup that is ideal to serve with crusty bread for lunch or a casual family dinner.

More Wild Garlic Recipes

Cheese and Wild Garlic Scones are a great way to use foraged wild garlic. They are full of flavour and perfect to serve as an alternative to bread. Serve with soup or stews or just on their own with butter.

Easy Wild Garlic Hummus is a really versatile recipe using chickpeas and wild garlic to make a flavour-packed dip or spread in your food processor. Hummus always contains garlic so wild garlic is an easy substitution. 

Wild Garlic Pesto is a quick and easy sauce to make with seasonal wild garlic. It is even easier to make in your blender and is ideal to serve with pasta, rice, or grilled meats. 

Wild Garlic Bread Tear & Share is an absolute delight. Soft white bread dough rolled around wild garlic pesto and cheese, then baked in a tray for a pull-apart bread recipe that is very, very moreish!

More soup recipes

I love soup and have many recipes here on this website for delicious warming bowls of soup. I have traditional Scottish recipes and also other delicious soups that I’m sure you are going to love.

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