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
Scale
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
