How to make Country French Garlic Soup Recipe 🥖🧄

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A rustic delight from the French countryside, this Country French Garlic Soup is a simple yet deeply flavorful dish that showcases the rich, aromatic essence of garlic. Perfect for chilly days, it’s comforting, wholesome, and surprisingly light. The key is in slow-roasting the garlic to bring out its natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

  • 2 whole heads of garlic (about 20 cloves), peeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large leek (white and light green parts only), sliced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Finishing Touch:

  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 slices of crusty country bread or baguette
  • 1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Roast the Garlic

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet or in a small baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
  3. Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and golden brown. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

  1. In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sliced leek. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.

3. Simmer the Soup

  1. Add the roasted garlic, broth, water, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.

4. Blend the Soup

  1. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the soup.
  2. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, blend in batches using a countertop blender.

5. Add the Creamy Base

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and heavy cream.
  2. Slowly whisk a ladle of the hot soup into the egg mixture to temper it, then gradually stir the mixture back into the soup.
  3. Heat gently for 2–3 minutes, but do not let the soup boil, as this can curdle the egg yolks.

6. Prepare the Bread and Cheese

  1. Preheat your broiler.
  2. Toast the bread slices lightly, then place them on a baking sheet.
  3. Sprinkle the bread with grated cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve and Garnish

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls and float a cheesy bread slice on top of each.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Soup

  • Don’t Skip Roasting the Garlic: This step transforms the garlic’s flavor from sharp to sweet and mellow, giving the soup its signature taste.
  • Leek Substitution: If you don’t have leeks, use an extra onion or a shallot for a similar depth of flavor.
  • Cheese Choices: Gruyère is classic, but Parmesan or even sharp white cheddar works beautifully.
  • Make it Vegetarian: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly.

Why You’ll Love It

This Country French Garlic Soup is:

  • Rustic and Elegant: Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
  • Nutritious and Light: Packed with the goodness of garlic, which is known for its health benefits.
  • Comforting: A warm, creamy soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.
  • Versatile: Customize it with your favorite herbs or extra veggies like potatoes or carrots.

Enjoy the rich flavors of the French countryside with this timeless, aromatic soup. Pair it with a crisp salad and a glass of wine for a complete and satisfying meal. Bon appétit! 🧄✨

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