Green Olive Soup

This Green Olive Soup is a bold, savory, and slightly tangy dish that’s unexpectedly comforting. Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this soup combines briny green olives with onions, garlic, herbs, and creamy potatoes to create a unique bowl of warmth and depth. It’s the kind of soup that surprises you—simple to make, yet rich in taste with a perfect balance of salty, creamy, and earthy notes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Unexpectedly Delicious – A standout soup that’s both comforting and bold.
Simple Pantry Ingredients – Most items you probably already have.
Mediterranean Flair – With briny olives, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
Vegetarian-Friendly – Hearty and satisfying without meat.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 small carrot, chopped
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable broth
• ¾ cup green olives, pitted and sliced (preferably Manzanilla or Castelvetrano)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup cooked white beans or chickpeas for protein
• 1 cup chopped spinach or kale added at the end
• 1 tbsp capers for extra briny flavor

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Blender or immersion blender (optional for creamy version)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Base

1. In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
3. Add minced garlic, thyme, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.

Step 2: Add Potatoes & Broth
4. Add diced potatoes to the pot. Stir to coat in the herbs and aromatics.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
6. Lower the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

Step 3: Add Olives & Lemon
7. Stir in the sliced green olives and lemon juice.
8. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9. If desired, stir in cream or coconut milk for a richer texture.

Step 4: Blend or Leave Chunky
10. For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup.
11. Or, leave it chunky for more texture and rustic appeal.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
12. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.
13. Serve with crusty bread or pita on the side.

Tips for the Best Green Olive Soup
Choose Quality Olives – Use good green olives packed in brine for bold flavor.
Don’t Skip the Lemon – It balances the saltiness and brightens the soup.
Blend to Your Preference – Full blend for creamy, partial for texture.
Add Beans for Heartiness – Great plant-based protein and thickness.
Serve Warm – This soup is best enjoyed hot, fresh, and aromatic.

Serving Suggestions
With Rustic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the broth.
Topped with Croutons – Adds crunch and richness.
With a Greek Salad – A bright and refreshing contrast.
With Grilled Cheese – Makes a unique pairing.
As a Starter – For Mediterranean or vegetarian dinners.

How to Store & Reheat

Store:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat:
Stovetop – Simmer gently until hot.
Microwave – Heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.

Freeze:
Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as above.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use black olives instead?
You can, but the flavor will be more mellow and less tangy. Green olives are best for this soup’s signature taste.

2. Is this soup salty?
Green olives are naturally salty, so adjust added salt to your taste. Always taste before adding more.

3. Can I make it vegan?
Yes—use vegetable broth and coconut milk or skip the cream entirely.

4. Can I serve it cold?
It’s designed to be served warm, but if blended smooth, you could try a chilled version similar to gazpacho.

Final Thoughts

This Green Olive Soup is a flavorful surprise—simple to prepare but layered with richness, brininess, and zest. Whether you’re looking for something new to serve at your next dinner or want to cozy up with a nourishing bowl, this soup brings the bold Mediterranean flair in the most comforting way.

Give it a try and let the olives shine!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean – Unique Comfort Food

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 4 servings):
Calories: 240 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Sodium: 700mg

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