Country French Garlic Soup
Country French garlic soup is rustic, comforting, and deeply aromatic. This traditional soupe à l’ail is simple yet elegant, built on slow-simmered garlic, herbs, and a silky egg-enriched broth — perfect for chilly evenings or when you want something nourishing and old-world.
Ingredients:
2 whole heads of garlic, cloves peeled
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
6 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or a few fresh sprigs)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 large egg yolks
1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Serving (Optional):
Toasted baguette slices
Extra grated cheese
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves and cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Add the chopped onion and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Pour in the chicken broth. Add the bay leaf and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the garlic to soften and mellow.
Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to lightly blend the soup, leaving some texture if desired.
In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the grated cheese.
Reduce the heat to low. Slowly ladle a bit of hot soup into the egg mixture while whisking to temper it.
Gently stir the tempered egg mixture back into the soup. Heat gently for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened — do not boil.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve hot with toasted baguette slices and extra cheese if desired.
Helpful Tips:
Keep the heat gentle to avoid curdling the eggs.
Roasting the garlic first gives a sweeter flavor variation.
This soup thickens slightly as it rests.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a light main or elegant starter.
Pair with a green salad and crusty bread.
Wonderful as a restorative, comforting meal.
Country French garlic soup is humble, soothing, and deeply flavorful — a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can create timeless comfort. 🧄🥖