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Country French Garlic Soup Recipe

Country French Garlic Soup Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Country French Garlic Soup is a warm, comforting, and flavorful soup featuring roasted garlic and caramelized onions blended into a creamy broth. This rustic recipe combines simple ingredients like garlic, onions, herbs, and broth to create a rich, aromatic dish perfect for cozy evenings. Served with crusty bread, it offers a delightful balance of savory and creamy textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Garlic and Aromatics

  • 3 whole heads of garlic, roasted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
  • 2 medium yellow onions, diced

Broth and Herbs

  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Dairy and Garnishes

  • 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream (or plant-based milk)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Crusty bread or toasted baguette slices, for serving

Instructions

  1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the garlic heads to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap each head tightly in foil and roast for 35 to 40 minutes until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Allow to cool, then squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves from the skins.
  2. Sauté Onions: In a large pot, heat the olive oil and optional butter over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become golden, soft, and caramelized, about 15 to 20 minutes. This develops a deep, sweet flavor base for the soup.
  3. Combine and Simmer: Add the roasted garlic cloves, fresh thyme leaves, and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Blend (Optional): Remove and discard the bay leaf. Using an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transferring to a blender, purée all or part of the soup to your preferred consistency—either fully smooth or slightly chunky for texture.
  5. Add Dairy: Stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, or chosen plant-based milk. Warm the soup gently over low heat, ensuring it does not boil to prevent curdling. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and additional cracked black pepper if desired. Serve hot alongside crusty bread or toasted baguette slices for dipping.

Notes

  • Roasting the garlic mellows its sharpness and creates a sweeter flavor that complements the soup.
  • For a vegan version, substitute butter with additional olive oil and use plant-based milk.
  • You can use either vegetable or chicken broth depending on your preference; vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian.
  • Adjust the thickness by controlling how much you blend the soup; partial blending creates a chunkier texture.
  • For a richer flavor, use heavy cream, or use whole milk for a lighter but still creamy soup.
  • This soup pairs wonderfully with a green salad or a cheese platter for a complete meal.
  • Make-ahead: The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic soup, French soup, roasted garlic, creamy soup, vegetarian soup, comfort food, caramelized onion soup

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/country-french-garlic-soup-recipe/