Description
Country French Garlic Soup is a rustic, comforting soup made with slow-simmered garlic, onions, herbs, broth, egg yolks, and Parmesan cheese. Despite using multiple garlic cloves, the flavor becomes mellow, sweet, and aromatic as it cooks, creating a silky and nourishing bowl of classic French comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 whole heads garlic, cloves separated and peeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 slices crusty bread, for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add peeled garlic cloves and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in broth and add thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until garlic is tender.
- Remove thyme and bay leaves. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Lightly mash some garlic cloves or blend partially for a smoother texture if desired.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and Parmesan cheese together.
- Slowly whisk in one ladle of hot soup to temper the eggs.
- Gradually stir the tempered mixture back into the pot.
- Simmer gently for about 5 minutes without boiling, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
- Serve hot with crusty bread and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Do not let the soup boil after adding egg yolks to avoid curdling.
- Tempering the eggs is essential for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Garlic becomes sweet and mild after simmering.
- Use vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Blending part of the soup creates a thicker consistency.
- Best served immediately with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
