# What you'll need:
→ Bread
01 - 4 cups day-old rustic bread cubes (approximately 200 g), preferably sourdough or country loaf
→ Dairy
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
04 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (100 g)
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
07 - 6 large garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
09 - 1 sprig fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
→ Liquids
11 - 4 cups vegetable broth (1 liter)
→ Seasoning
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
13 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and thyme. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to release aromas.
03 - Add bread cubes to the pot and stir to coat with the aromatics and fats. Toast for 3 to 4 minutes to allow the bread to absorb flavors.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until bread softens completely.
05 - Discard the thyme sprig. Use an immersion blender or transfer soup in batches to a blender, blending until smooth and creamy.
06 - Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.