Experience the warmth and depth of flavor in this Country French Garlic Soup, a dish that embodies the essence of rustic French cuisine with its rich garlic base and creamy texture. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a sophisticated starter for a dinner party, this soup is not only comforting but also elegantly satisfying.
Bringing Rustic French Elegance to Your Table
This soup utilizes simple ingredients to create a profoundly flavorful dish, where garlic takes center stage, supported by the aromatic presence of thyme and bay leaves. Here’s how to ensure your garlic soup impresses with every spoonful.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Soup
- Slow and Gentle Sauté: Cook the garlic cloves slowly in olive oil to draw out their sweetness without burning them, which can introduce bitterness.
- Simmer to Perfection: Allow the soup to simmer slowly with the herbs to infuse the broth with flavors deeply and meld the tastes beautifully.
- Smooth Puree: Use an immersion blender for ease and less mess, or transfer to a blender to puree the soup until smooth, achieving a luxurious texture.
- Tempering the Eggs: To prevent the eggs from scrambling, gradually introduce hot soup into the cream and egg yolk mixture to equalize the temperatures before incorporating everything back into the pot.
- Avoid Boiling: When reheating the soup with the egg mixture, keep the heat low and do not allow it to boil, to ensure the soup thickens without curdling.
Country French Garlic Soup Recipe:
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
- Serving: 6 servings
- Equipment: Heavy pot, immersion blender or regular blender
This soup is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of France from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 3 heads garlic, cloves separated and peeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 egg yolks
- Croutons (for serving)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Directions:
- Sauté Garlic: In a heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the peeled garlic cloves and sauté gently until golden, about 10 minutes, being careful not to let them burn.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the broth and add the bay leaves and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- Puree the Soup: After removing the bay leaves, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or transfer it to a blender in batches to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Season: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Temper and Thicken: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and egg yolks. Gradually temper this mixture by whisking in a few tablespoons of hot soup, then slowly stir the tempered mixture back into the soup pot. Heat the soup gently, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with croutons and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
A Timeless Comfort Dish
Country French Garlic Soup is perfect for those who appreciate a dish that’s both simple to prepare and rich in flavor. Serve this garlic-forward soup as a comforting meal or an elegant starter to a larger feast, and enjoy the creamy, savory notes that make this recipe a timeless favorite.
