Country French Garlic Soup
This rustic country French garlic soup is a comforting, flavorful dish made with roasted garlic, broth, herbs, and bread. Light yet nourishing, it’s a timeless recipe that’s simple to prepare and perfect for cozy meals.
Ingredients
Core Ingredients:
- 2 whole garlic heads peeled cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion chopped (optional)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups crusty French bread cubed (stale bread works best)
- 2 eggs lightly whisked (optional, for richness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- Grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese for garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Splash of white wine for depth
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic: Roast peeled cloves at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until golden, or sauté in olive oil until soft and fragrant.
- Build the Base: In a large pot, heat oil or butter. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer: Let the soup cook for 20–25 minutes so flavors meld together.
- Enrich the Soup: Whisk in eggs slowly while stirring (optional) for a silky texture. Add cubed bread and let it soak briefly in the broth.
- Season and Serve: Adjust with salt and pepper, remove bay leaf, and ladle into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs and cheese if desired.
Notes
- Roast garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Add bread just before serving to avoid it getting too soggy.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip eggs if desired.
- Freezes well (without bread). Add fresh bread cubes when reheating.
Nutrition
Calories: 195kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 6gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 590mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g
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