Country French Garlic Soup
Introduction
If you’re looking for a warm and comforting dish, Country French Garlic Soup is the perfect choice. Bursting with flavor from roasted garlic and caramelized onions, this soup is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Easy to prepare and delightfully satisfying, it’s a fantastic option for a cozy dinner or an impressive starter for guests. Let’s dive into how you can create this flavorful soup in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Just a few simple steps to a delicious bowl.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have garlic and onions at home!
- Comfort Food: This soup warms you from the inside and makes you feel at home.
- Impress Your Guests: The unique flavor of roasted garlic will wow everyone.
- Versatile: Perfect as a starter or a main dish with bread.
What makes this recipe stand out is the technique of roasting garlic, which adds a sweet, rich flavor that elevates the soup over regular garlic soups.
Ingredients Needed
For the base:
- 3 whole heads of garlic, roasted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the soup:
- 2 medium yellow onions, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream (or plant-based milk)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crusty bread or toasted baguette slices, for serving
How to Make Country French Garlic Soup
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the garlic heads, drizzle them with olive oil, wrap them in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes. Once done, let them cool before squeezing the soft cloves out.
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they are golden and caramelized—this usually takes about 15–20 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it’s key for building flavor!
- Combine and Simmer: Add the roasted garlic, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Blend (Optional): Remove the bay leaf, then use an immersion blender or a standard blender to purée the soup to your desired consistency. This step helps create a creamy texture but is completely optional.
- Add Dairy: Stir in your choice of milk or cream and warm it gently without boiling. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley and cracked black pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread or toasted baguette slices.
How to Serve Country French Garlic Soup
Serve this soup hot in bowls, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and cracked black pepper to add a pop of color. Pair it with crusty bread or sliced baguette for dipping. A sprinkle of extra thyme or a drizzle of olive oil can enhance the look and flavor too!
How to Store Country French Garlic Soup
Allow leftover soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in suitable containers for up to 3 months. Remember to cool it completely before freezing.
Tips to Make Country French Garlic Soup
- Adjust the Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
- Thicker Soup: For a thicker texture, blend more of the soup or add a potato when you sauté the onions.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley to give the soup your unique touch!
Variations
- You can add diced vegetables like carrots or celery for a heartier soup.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use alternative ingredients?
Yes! You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a different flavor. Plant-based milk works well too.
How do I make this gluten-free?
This recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and bread.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Just remember to cool completely before freezing.
Conclusion
Country French Garlic Soup is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. Its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and comforting nature make it a winner in every home. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! Share your experiences on social media and let us know if you tried any variations. What twist did you add to make it your own? Let us know below!
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Country French Garlic Soup
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting soup bursting with flavor from roasted garlic and caramelized onions, perfect for cozy dinners or as an impressive starter.
Ingredients
- 3 whole heads of garlic, roasted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream (or plant-based milk)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread or toasted baguette slices (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the garlic heads, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes. Allow to cool before squeezing the soft cloves out.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until golden and caramelized, about 15–20 minutes.
- Add the roasted garlic, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and blend the soup with an immersion blender or standard blender to your desired consistency (optional).
- Stir in choice of milk or cream and warm gently without boiling. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley and cracked black pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread or toasted baguette slices.
Notes
For a thicker soup, blend more or add a potato when sautéing the onions. Add more roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting and Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg