Name: Country French Garlic Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
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)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Country French Garlic Soup is a comforting, aromatic dish that beautifully highlights the humble garlic. This creamy and flavorful soup is perfect for cozy evenings and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread.

A white bowl filled with creamy soup topped with several golden-brown toasted garlic slices and a sprinkle of black pepper and herbs. A toasted piece of bread with a crispy brown edge is placed on the side of the bowl, resting partly inside. The spoon in the bowl holds some soup with a visible swirl of cream. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add garlic cloves and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Pour in the broth, then add thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Step 6: Temper the egg mixture by slowly adding a ladle of hot soup, whisking constantly. Then, stir this mixture back into the pot.
Step 7: Simmer the soup for 5 more minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens slightly.
Step 8: Serve the soup hot with crusty bread and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Roast the garlic heads beforehand for a sweeter, milder flavor.
Use vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly.
Add a splash of white wine before simmering for added depth.
Top with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or croutons for texture.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling from the egg yolks. This soup is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well when careful.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy soup topped with slices of golden-brown toasted garlic, herbs, and cracked black pepper. The soup is light beige and smooth, with a silver spoon resting inside the bowl on the right. A piece of toasted bread with a crispy, browned crust is placed on the edge of the bowl, partially dipped into the soup. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is essential for the soup’s rich flavor and texture. Garlic powder won’t develop the same depth and can alter the soup’s consistency.

Is it possible to make this soup vegan?

Yes, by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth, omitting the egg yolks, and using nutritional yeast or vegan cheese instead of Parmesan, you can create a vegan variation.