Description

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a steaming bowl of Country French Garlic Soup. This rustic dish is packed with rich, mellow garlic flavor and a silky broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s simple yet elegant—perfect for a cozy dinner, a light starter, or even a soothing remedy for chilly days!

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

2 heads of garlic (about 20 cloves), peeled
2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
2 egg yolks (for a rich, velvety texture)

For Serving:

4 slices of crusty French bread, toasted
½ cup grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic & Onion

Heat olive oil or butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.
Add the garlic cloves and cook gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant. Be careful not to brown them too much, or they’ll turn bitter.
Add the chopped onion and cook for another 3 minutes, until soft and translucent.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

Remove the bay leaf, then use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. (If using a regular blender, blend in batches, being careful with the hot liquid.)

Step 4: Add Creamy Texture

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and heavy cream.
Slowly pour a ladle of hot soup into the egg mixture, whisking constantly (this prevents scrambling).
Gradually whisk the egg mixture back into the soup, stirring over low heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Do not boil!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a slice of toasted French bread.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese and let it melt into the soup.
Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and serve warm.

Notes

Use Fresh Garlic – Avoid pre-minced garlic; fresh cloves give the best flavor.
Control the Garlic Intensity – Roast the garlic first if you prefer a milder, sweeter taste.
For a Heartier Soup – Add diced potatoes while simmering and blend for a thicker texture.
Make It Vegan – Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use vegetable broth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American