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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined.
- 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.
- Incorporate Egg Mixture: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot with the rest of the soup, stirring continuously to blend evenly.
- Thicken Soup: Simmer the soup gently for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the soup slightly thickens and becomes creamy.
- 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
