Country French Garlic Soup

Description:

This Country French Garlic Soup is a rich, rustic, and comforting dish made with roasted garlic, onions, herbs, and a silky broth. It’s a simple yet elegant soup that brings out the deep, mellow flavors of garlic without overpowering the palate. Perfect for chilly nights, this classic French recipe is delicious on its own or served with crusty bread and cheese.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Soup:

• 2 whole heads of garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1.2 liters (5 cups) chicken or vegetable broth
• 250ml (1 cup) water
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 2 large egg yolks
• 120ml (½ cup) heavy cream

For Serving:

• Crusty French bread (for dipping)
• Grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Slice the tops off 2 heads of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil.
3. Roast for 35-40 minutes until garlic is soft and golden. Let cool, then squeeze out the cloves.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

4. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
5. Add onions, cooking for 5 minutes until translucent.
6. Stir in the roasted garlic cloves, mashing them into the onions.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

7. Pour in broth and water, then add thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
8. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

9. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks with heavy cream.
10. Slowly ladle some hot broth into the mixture, whisking continuously.
11. Pour the mixture back into the pot, stirring gently over low heat until the soup thickens slightly (do not boil).

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

12. Remove bay leaf and ladle soup into bowls.
13. Serve with toasted French bread, grated cheese, and fresh parsley.

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Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 18g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 2g

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Tips for the Best Garlic Soup

✔ Roast the garlic properly – it should be golden brown and soft for the best flavor.
✔ Use fresh herbs for a more authentic French taste.
✔ Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
✔ Want it extra creamy? Add more heavy cream or blend the soup until smooth.
✔ Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days (do not freeze).