Green Olive Soup: A Comforting and Flavorful Bowl of Warmth
When the weather cools down and the craving for something hearty sets in, few things can beat the comfort of a warm bowl of soup. Green olive soup is a hidden gem in the world of comforting recipes. Briny, tangy, and rich in flavor, it brings a refreshing twist to traditional soups. Instead of leaning on the familiar sweetness of carrots or the earthiness of potatoes alone, the addition of green olives provides a vibrant pop of flavor that surprises the palate with every spoonful.
The beauty of this soup lies in its ability to balance salty, savory, and creamy notes. It’s a dish that feels both gourmet and homestyle at the same time. Served as a cozy weeknight meal or as an elegant starter for a dinner party, green olive soup always makes an impression. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, it’s a recipe anyone can master, even on a busy schedule.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a quick look at the main ingredients with their approximate calorie count per serving:
| Ingredient | Amount | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Green olives (pitted) | 1 cup | 150 |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 240 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium | 45 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | 15 |
| Celery (chopped) | 2 stalks | 20 |
| Potato (cubed) | 1 medium | 160 |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups | 60 |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup | 200 |
| Fresh parsley (for garnish) | 2 tbsp | 5 |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | — |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Sauté the base – In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the potatoes – Stir in cubed potatoes and cook for another 3 minutes, allowing them to soak up flavor.
- Pour in the broth – Add vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Blend the soup – Add green olives to the pot, then use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender in batches) to puree until smooth.
- Finish with cream – Stir in heavy cream and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes without boiling.
- Serve and garnish – Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy warm.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Make it vegan: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream.
- Boost the protein: Add cooked chickpeas or white beans before blending.
- Change the flavor profile: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for heat.
- Chunky style: Blend only half the soup and leave some texture for a rustic version.
- Garnish creatively: Top with croutons, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~230 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | Depends on broth and olives used |
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with warm crusty bread or garlic toast for a filling meal.
- Serve in small bowls as a starter for Mediterranean-inspired dinners.
- Add a side salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Top with crispy pancetta or bacon bits for a smoky finish.
- Make it a comforting lunch with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side.
Green Olive Soup: A Comforting and Flavorful Bowl of Warmth
4
servings10
minutes25
minutes230
kcalIngredients
1 cup green olives (pitted)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium potato, cubed
4 cups vegetable broth
½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Sauté aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add potatoes – Stir in the cubed potato and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Simmer – Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Blend – Add green olives, then puree the soup with an immersion blender (or in batches using a countertop blender) until smooth.
- Finish with cream – Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes without boiling.
- Serve – Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and enjoy warm with crusty bread.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use pitted green olives for convenience; Castelvetrano olives work especially well for a milder, buttery flavor.
For a lighter soup, replace heavy cream with half-and-half, milk, or unsweetened almond milk.
To keep it vegan, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of dairy cream.
FAQs
1. What does green olive soup taste like?
Green olive soup has a rich, creamy base with a tangy, briny flavor from the olives. It’s savory, slightly salty, and pairs beautifully with potatoes, cream, and herbs.
2. Can I make green olive soup vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the heavy cream for coconut cream, almond milk, or cashew cream. Use vegetable broth and olive oil to keep it fully plant-based.
3. Do I need to use pitted olives?
Absolutely. Always use pitted green olives to save time and avoid any blending issues. You can buy them pre-pitted or pit them at home.
4. How long does green olive soup last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve its creamy texture.
5. Can I freeze green olive soup?
Yes, but omit the cream before freezing. Add the cream when reheating to prevent separation. Frozen soup lasts up to 2 months.
6. What can I serve with green olive soup?
It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled cheese, or a fresh salad. For heartier meals, serve alongside roasted chicken or fish.
Conclusion
Green olive soup is more than just a comforting recipe—it’s a bold twist on traditional soups that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary. The briny bite of olives combined with creamy broth creates a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re looking for a unique starter for guests or a cozy meal to enjoy at home, this soup is sure to impress. Once you’ve tasted it, you may find yourself adding it to your regular rotation of go-to comfort foods.
