Description
Experience the warmth of Traditional Country French Style Garlic Soup, a comforting dish that transforms humble garlic into a rich, flavorful experience. Perfect for chilly evenings or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 15 to 25 large garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter (or a mix)
- 1 bay leaf
- a few sprigs of fresh thyme
- 4 cups beef broth or vegetable broth
- 1 day-old country loaf, sourdough, or baguette
- 2 egg yolks or whole eggs
- sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- a splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar (optional)
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Peel all of your garlic cloves. Gently smash them with the flat side of a knife and then roughly chop them or slice them thinly. Set the prepared garlic aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium-low heat. Add your prepared garlic, along with the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Cook the garlic gently until it's fragrant, soft, and translucent, but not browned, for about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the garlic is softened, pour in your beef or vegetable broth. Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
- Tear your stale rustic bread into small pieces or cubes and add it directly into the simmering soup. Stir well and continue to simmer gently for another 10-15 minutes, or until the bread has completely softened and started to dissolve into the liquid.
- In a small bowl, whisk together your egg yolks (or whole eggs) until well combined. Gradually ladle about a cup of the hot soup liquid into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Once tempered, slowly pour the egg mixture back into the pot of soup, whisking continuously, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the soup has slightly thickened.
- Taste your soup and season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. If desired, add a small splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for brightness. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or homemade croutons. Serve immediately with extra crusty bread on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Ensure to cook the garlic gently to avoid bitterness. Use stale rustic bread for the best texture and flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste, and consider adding a splash of vinegar for brightness.