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–+ servings
Benjamin

Rustic French Garlic Soup Recipe

This rustic French garlic soup is a cozy and comforting dish with deep, rich flavors. Slow-cooked garlic mellows into a smooth, slightly sweet broth, enhanced with aromatic herbs and finished with a velvety egg yolk mixture. It's a simple yet elegant soup that pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping. Whether you're seeking warmth on a cold day or a nourishing meal to soothe the soul, this traditional French recipe is sure to impress
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: French
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

Sauté the Base:
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
Incorporate Garlic:
  1. Introduce peeled garlic cloves to the pot, cooking for 2-3 minutes while stirring to prevent burning.
Simmer the Soup:
  1. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth.
  2. Add fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  4. Let the mixture cook for 30 minutes, allowing the garlic to soften and infuse the broth.
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Temper the Eggs:
  1. Gradually add a ladle of the hot soup into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
Thicken the Soup:
  1. Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring constantly.
  2. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the soup slightly thickens.
Finalize and Serve:
  1. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the pot.
  2. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot alongside crusty bread.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the soup.
  • Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free option, omit the Parmesan cheese.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.

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