Country French Garlic Soup Recipe

If you love bold flavors and comforting dishes that warm you from the inside out, this Country French Garlic Soup Recipe is just the treasure you’ve been waiting for. Bursting with the rich aroma of roasted garlic, the velvety texture from Parmesan and egg yolks, and the herbaceous notes of fresh thyme and bay leaves, this soup brings a touch of rustic French charm to your kitchen. It’s soothing, elegant, and surprisingly simple to make, turning humble ingredients into a luxurious experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Country French Garlic Soup Recipe shines because of its straightforward but essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and creating that perfect balance of creaminess, depth, and aromatic freshness.

• 2 whole heads of garlic, peeled: The star of the show, providing that unmistakable sweet and mellow garlic flavor after slow cooking.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps sauté the onions to perfection.
• 1 onion, chopped: Contributes a gentle sweetness that complements the garlic’s boldness.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Brings a silky smoothness that rounds out the soup beautifully.
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Serves as the flavorful base, giving body and warmth to the soup.
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme: Infuses an earthy, woody aroma that lifts the dish.
• 2 bay leaves: Offers a subtle floral and herbal note for depth.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• 4 egg yolks: Used to thicken the soup with a creamy, luscious finish.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory richness that sets this soup apart.
• Crusty bread, for serving: Perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop.
• Fresh parsley (optional for garnish): Brings a vibrant pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Country French Garlic Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Begin by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook gently until they’re softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step sets the foundation, allowing the onions to develop sweet, caramelized flavor. Next, toss in the peeled garlic cloves and sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often so they don’t brown too quickly—this gentle cooking mellows their sharpness perfectly.

Step 2: Simmer Flavors Together

Pour in your choice of chicken or vegetable broth, then add the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil before lowering the heat to let it simmer quietly for 30 minutes. This slow simmer allows the garlic and herbs to infuse the broth deeply, creating a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful base that embodies classic French rustic cooking.

Step 3: Remove Herbs and Season

After simmering, carefully fish out the thyme sprigs and bay leaves to avoid over-extraction of bitterness. Then season the soup generously with salt and pepper—taste as you go to balance the flavors perfectly.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg and Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. This creamy mixture will give your soup that signature velvety texture and depth of flavor.

Step 5: Temper the Egg Mixture

To avoid scrambling, slowly ladle a small amount of the hot soup into the egg and cheese mixture while whisking constantly. This tempers the eggs, gently raising their temperature and preparing them to be safely combined into the soup without curdling.

Step 6: Combine and Thicken

Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot and stir continuously over low heat as the soup simmers for an additional 5 minutes. You’ll notice it gradually thickening into a rich, silky consistency that feels indulgent and satisfying in every spoonful.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once thickened, turn off the heat and ladle the soup into bowls. This is where your Country French Garlic Soup Recipe truly shines and invites everyone to enjoy a comforting and aromatic meal.

How to Serve Country French Garlic Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a lively burst of color and a mild herbaceous note that cuts through the richness beautifully. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil can also elevate the final presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is an absolute must-have alongside this soup. Whether it’s a rustic French baguette or a chewy country loaf, it’s perfect for sopping up the creamy soup. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully by adding some crisp freshness to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra special touch, serve the soup in individual rustic bowls with a toasted garlic crostini on the side or floated on top. You can even sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs and herbs for crunch and a beautiful textured contrast that delights the senses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from your Country French Garlic Soup Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the second serving just as enjoyable as the first!

Freezing

While this soup can be frozen, the creamy texture may slightly change after thawing because of the eggs. Freeze in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup slowly over low heat, stirring often to prevent the eggs from curdling. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use roasted garlic instead of fresh garlic?

Absolutely! Roasted garlic provides a sweeter, milder flavor that will give the soup a different but equally delicious twist. Just adjust the cooking accordingly to avoid overpowering the broth.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Country French Garlic Soup Recipe?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth to keep the soup hearty and flavorful without the meat. The rest of the recipe stays the same.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

You can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier bite, or Grana Padano for a similar mellow flavor. Just be mindful of salt levels when substituting.

How do I prevent the egg yolks from curdling in the soup?

The key is tempering: gradually whisk hot soup into the egg mixture before adding it back into the pot. This gently raises the egg temperature and prevents scrambling.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Definitely! You can make the soup up to one day in advance and gently reheat it before serving. Just stir occasionally while warming to keep the texture smooth.

Final Thoughts

This Country French Garlic Soup Recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfectly capturing the rustic charm and bold flavors of French country cooking. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply crave something cozy and fragrant, this soup promises comfort and delight in every bite. Go ahead, treat yourself and those you love to this wonderful classic—it’s bound to become a household favorite.

Country French Garlic Soup Recipe

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4.2 from 23 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Country French Garlic Soup is a comforting and flavorful classic, combining roasted garlic, aromatic herbs, and a creamy Parmesan-infused broth. Perfect for warming up on chilly days, this soup brings rustic French charm to your kitchen with its rich taste and smooth texture, served best with crusty bread for dipping.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 2 whole heads of garlic, peeled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Crusty bread, for serving
• Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
2. Cook Garlic: Add the peeled garlic cloves to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to release their aroma without burning them.
3. Simmer Soup: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the garlic to soften.
4. Season Soup: Remove and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the pot. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to incorporate the seasoning.
5. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined.
6. Temper Egg Mixture: Slowly ladle a small amount of the hot soup into the egg and cheese mixture while whisking continuously. This gradual warming prevents the eggs from curdling when added to the soup.
7. Incorporate Egg Mixture: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot with the rest of the soup, stirring continuously to blend evenly.
8. Thicken Soup: Simmer the soup gently for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the soup slightly thickens and becomes creamy.
9. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately with crusty bread on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

• Ensure to temper the egg yolks slowly to avoid scrambling eggs in the soup.
• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly.
• For extra depth, roast the garlic heads before peeling and adding to the soup.
• Adjust salt and pepper seasoning according to taste preference.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French