If your taste buds are craving something cozy, aromatic, and downright comforting, you are going to love this Country French Garlic Soup Recipe. It’s a rustic masterpiece that celebrates garlic in all its pungent, mellow glory, slow-cooked with simple, wholesome ingredients to create a rich broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. This soup perfectly balances the earthiness of thyme, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the creamy tang of Parmesan, all lifted by silky egg yolks. Whether you’re new to garlic soups or a seasoned fan, this recipe will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Country French Garlic Soup Recipe lies in how straightforward the ingredients are, yet how harmoniously they come together. Each component plays a vital role, enhancing the depth, texture, and color of the final dish without overwhelming your palate.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A quality olive oil provides the perfect base for sautéing and infuses the soup with fruity warmth.
- 1 large onion, chopped: This adds sweetness and body once it’s gently caramelized.
- 1 bay leaf: A subtle earthy note that deepens the broth’s flavor complexity.
- 2 heads garlic, peeled, cloves left whole: The star ingredient whose mellow roasted flavor shines throughout the soup.
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: A light, savory liquid that carries all the flavors together without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle herbal lift that complements garlic beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every ingredient.
- 4 large egg yolks: These enrich the soup with luxurious silkiness and body when tempered in.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish and extra creaminess.
- 1/2 cup day-old crusty bread, cut into cubes (for serving): Provides delightful crunchy contrast as an accompaniment or topping.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant note and a pop of color on top.
How to Make Country French Garlic Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Start by warming the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add your chopped onions and let them cook slowly until they turn a soft golden brown, releasing their natural sweetness. Toss in the whole garlic cloves and stir gently, allowing the garlic to mellow and infuse the oil without burning. This step sets the foundation for the soup’s deep, fragrant flavor.
Step 2: Simmer the Broth with Herbs
Next, pour in your chicken or vegetable broth along with the bay leaf and dried thyme. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. The garlic cloves will soften and impart their mellow essence into the broth, creating a beautifully balanced base. Season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to get the perfect seasoning.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Yolk and Parmesan Mixture
While the soup simmers, whisk together the egg yolks and grated Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl until smooth. This mixture will enrich the soup and give it that silky texture that’s so irresistible in this Country French Garlic Soup Recipe.
Step 4: Temper and Combine
To avoid scrambling, slowly ladle some hot broth into the egg yolk and Parmesan mixture while whisking continuously. Gradually incorporate this warmed mixture back into the pot of soup, stirring gently to blend without curdling. This step adds luxurious creaminess and a subtle tang from the Parmesan.
Step 5: Serve with Crusty Bread and Fresh Parsley
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with toasted cubes of crusty bread for texture. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm—the perfect finish to this hearty, rustic meal.
How to Serve Country French Garlic Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this Country French Garlic Soup Recipe quite like a garnish of vibrant green parsley—it adds brightness that balances the richness inside. If you want to get a little creative, consider a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes for just a hint of heat.
Side Dishes
Complement this soup with simple, rustic sides such as a fresh green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a plate of roasted vegetables. A cheese board featuring mild, creamy cheeses also pairs beautifully, keeping the meal light but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the soup in individual crock bowls with a toasted crostini on the side. You could even float a small scoop of herb-infused ricotta on top as a creamy contrast. Presentation like this makes the Country French Garlic Soup Recipe perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but make sure to skip tempering in the egg yolks if you plan to freeze; add them freshly when reheating instead. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Warm leftovers slowly over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid curdling. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. For best texture, add the egg yolk and Parmesan mixture freshly while reheating to maintain that signature silkiness.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth works beautifully in this Country French Garlic Soup Recipe, keeping it vegetarian while retaining delicious, rich flavor.
Is it necessary to keep the garlic cloves whole?
Yes, leaving the garlic cloves whole allows them to soften nicely during simmering without becoming overpowering, resulting in a milder, sweeter garlic flavor throughout the soup.
Can I prepare this soup vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, omit the egg yolks, and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative to maintain the savory depth.
How should I toast the bread for serving?
Toss the bread cubes lightly with olive oil and toast them in a hot oven or skillet until golden and crisp. This adds the perfect crunchy contrast to the smooth soup.
Why is tempering the egg yolks important?
Tempering prevents the egg yolks from scrambling by gradually heating them with hot broth. This technique ensures the soup remains silky smooth and creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Country French Garlic Soup Recipe is a truly special dish that brings rustic charm and comforting flavors to your table. It’s a simple recipe that feels luxurious and always impresses guests or delights family. Don’t hesitate to dive in and share this garlic-filled delight with your loved ones—you might just discover a new favorite to turn to anytime the weather calls for cozy, soul-warming food.
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Country French Garlic Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Country French Garlic Soup is a comforting and rustic dish featuring slow-cooked whole garlic cloves simmered in a savory broth with onions and herbs. Enriched with egg yolks and Parmesan cheese, this velvety soup is served with toasted crusty bread cubes and fresh parsley for a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 heads garlic, peeled, cloves left whole
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Enrichment
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving
- 1/2 cup day-old crusty bread, cut into cubes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté the onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add garlic and bay leaf: Add the whole peeled garlic cloves and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine with the onions.
- Simmer the broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, add dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, allowing the garlic to soften and flavors to meld.
- Prepare the egg and cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. This mixture will thicken the soup and add a rich, creamy texture.
- Temper and enrich the soup: Slowly ladle a small amount of hot soup into the egg and cheese mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling. Then gradually stir the tempered mixture back into the pot with the soup.
- Heat gently: Warm the soup on very low heat, stirring constantly until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Do not allow the soup to boil to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Prepare bread cubes: While the soup is finishing, toast the day-old crusty bread cubes in a skillet or oven until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with toasted bread cubes and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, garlicky flavors.
Notes
- Tempering the egg yolks is crucial to prevent them from curdling in the hot soup.
- Use low-sodium broth to better control the seasoning.
- The garlic becomes soft and mild in flavor after simmering, creating a sweeter and less pungent taste.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Toasting the bread cubes adds a pleasing crunch which complements the creamy soup.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or crusty French bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
