Description
Country French Garlic Soup is a comforting and elegant classic that combines the rich flavor of fresh garlic with a creamy, velvety broth. This rustic yet refined soup is easy to prepare with simple pantry staples and offers a warm, nourishing dish perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests. Its heart-healthy garlic and customizable variations make it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences and occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6–8 fresh garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 medium onions, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 baguette or crusty bread, sliced and toasted
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or mixed fresh herbs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic and onions: Peel and finely slice several garlic cloves and a couple of onions. Sauté them gently in butter or olive oil over medium heat until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant but not browned, allowing the flavors to mellow and deepen.
- Build the broth: Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the sautéed garlic and onions, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for 15-20 minutes so the garlic’s essence infuses the liquid, creating a savory and aromatic base.
- Blend and finish: Puree the soup using an immersion blender or countertop blender until smooth and velvety. Return the soup to the pot, then stir in the heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper for a well-rounded, creamy taste without overwhelming the garlic flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Slice and toast the baguette until golden brown. Ladle the warm soup into bowls, topping each with crispy bread slices and a sprinkle of fresh thyme or chosen herbs. Serve immediately to enjoy the full warming effect.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality garlic for the best flavor intensity and authenticity.
- Cook the garlic and onions gently over medium heat to prevent bitterness and bring out sweetness.
- Adjust creaminess by substituting half-and-half for cream or reducing the cream quantity if desired.
- Toast the bread until crisp but not burnt to provide the perfect topping texture.
- Add fresh herbs just before serving to preserve their bright and fragrant notes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: garlic soup, French soup, creamy garlic soup, appetizer, comfort food, rustic French recipe
