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Country French Garlic Soup

Country French Garlic Soup

Country French Garlic Soup is a rich and comforting classic that combines the bold aroma of roasted garlic with savory broth, fresh herbs, and optional creaminess. This versatile, elegant yet rustic soup warms the soul and is perfect for any season, offering a nourishing bowl of flavor that is easy to customize and delightful to share.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 45 Garlic Bulbs (whole, for roasting)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Butter (for sautéing)
  • 2 medium Yellow Onions (diced)
  • 6 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • 23 sprigs Fresh Thyme or other herbs (such as rosemary, sage, or tarragon)
  • 1/2 cup Cream or Crème Fraîche (optional)
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste)
  • Rustic Bread (for croutons or serving)

Optional Variations

  • Grated Gruyère or Parmesan Cheese (for topping or stirring in)
  • Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes or Cayenne (for spice)
  • Shredded Chicken or Crispy Bacon Bits (for protein boost)
  • Coconut or Almond Cream (for vegan alternative)

Instructions

  1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the tops off the garlic bulbs to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast until soft and caramelized, about 35-40 minutes. This mellows the garlic’s sharpness and develops a rich, nutty flavor.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced yellow onions and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the roasted garlic cloves, smashing them gently to release their oils into the pot.
  3. Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add fresh thyme or your choice of herbs. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Simmer and Season: Let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed for depth of flavor.
  5. Blend and Finish: Optionally blend all or part of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender to your preferred texture. Stir in cream or crème fraîche if desired. Warm gently without boiling, and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

  • Roast garlic thoroughly to bring out sweetness and mellow sharpness.
  • Use homemade broth if possible for deeper flavor.
  • Fresh thyme or alternative herbs are essential for authentic taste.
  • Toast rustic bread to make delicious croutons for topping.
  • Add cream at the very end on low heat to avoid curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Country French Garlic Soup, garlic soup, roasted garlic, French soup, comforting soup, creamy soup, rustic soup