Name: Green Olive Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 medium carrot, chopped; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano; 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth; 100 g (¾ cup) green olives, pitted and sliced; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Juice of ½ lemon (adjust to taste); 2 tbsp cream or Greek yogurt (for a silky texture); 1 handful spinach or kale (stirred in at the end); Crushed red pepper flakes (for a little heat); Chopped parsley or dill (for garnish)

Description

If you’re a fan of briny, bold flavors and cozy bowls of comfort, this Green Olive Soup is a must-try. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired soup that’s creamy, savory, and layered with the rich, salty punch of green olives. Balanced with potatoes, aromatic herbs, and a hint of lemon, it’s a unique yet simple dish that feels both rustic and refined.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 medium carrot, chopped
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth
100 g (¾ cup) green olives, pitted and sliced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of ½ lemon (adjust to taste)

Optional Add-Ins:

2 tbsp cream or Greek yogurt (for a silky texture)
1 handful spinach or kale (stirred in at the end)
Crushed red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
Chopped parsley or dill (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Base Veggies

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, celery, carrot, and garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Stir in the thyme or oregano for 1 more minute.

Step 2: Add Potatoes & Broth

Add diced potatoes, bay leaf, and vegetable broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 3: Add Olives & Blend (Optional)

Stir in sliced green olives and simmer for 5 minutes.
For a smooth soup: remove the bay leaf and blend part or all of the soup.
For a chunkier texture: keep it rustic and unblended.

Step 4: Finish & Season

Stir in lemon juice and optional cream or yogurt.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
For added greens, stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook 2–3 minutes more.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Ladle soup into bowls.
Garnish with chopped parsley or dill, extra olives, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve with crusty bread or warm pita.

Notes

Use Good-Quality Olives – Spanish or Sicilian green olives add the best flavor.
Balance the Brine – Lemon and herbs help round out the saltiness.
Control Texture – Blend fully for a velvety soup, or mash slightly for rustic charm.
Adjust Creaminess – Add more broth for thinner soup, more cream/yogurt for richness.
Let It Rest – Flavors deepen after sitting, so leftovers are even better.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired