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Authentic French Country Garlic Soup (Cozy Rustic Comfort Recipe)

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4.3 from 43 reviews

This Authentic French Country Garlic Soup is a rustic, flavorful, and comforting dish that transforms humble garlic into a silky, aromatic broth perfect for chilly evenings. Originating from rural France as a traditional farmhouse staple, this soupe à l’ail combines roasted and fresh garlic with aromatic herbs, butter, and cream for a rich and deeply savory experience. Garnished with toasted baguette and melted cheese, it offers a true taste of French country comfort.

Ingredients

Scale

Roasted Garlic

  • 2 whole garlic heads
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)
  • Pinch salt & pepper (for roasting)

Sauté Base

  • 10–12 fresh garlic cloves, sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 shallots, minced (optional)

Broth & Seasonings

  • 1/2 cup additional broth (or non-alcoholic white wine alternative)
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium)
  • 1 fresh thyme sprig
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper (optional)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Finishing Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk, optional)
  • 1 egg yolk (optional)
  • 1 baguette or rustic bread, sliced
  • Gruyère, Parmesan, or Emmental cheese, grated (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
  • Finishing olive oil

Instructions

  1. Roast Garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice 1/4-inch off the tops of the 2 garlic heads, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Wrap each in foil and roast for 35-45 minutes until soft and fragrant. Once cooled slightly, squeeze out the cloves and set aside.
  2. Prepare Fresh Aromatics: Peel and thinly slice 10-12 fresh garlic cloves. Finely dice 1 large yellow onion and mince 2 shallots if using.
  3. Sauté Onions and Shallots: In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Add the diced onion and minced shallots, cooking gently for 10-15 minutes until translucent without browning to develop sweetness.
  4. Add Fresh Garlic: Stir in the sliced fresh garlic cloves and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
  5. Deglaze the Pot: Increase heat to medium. Pour in 1/2 cup additional broth or a non-alcoholic white wine alternative, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced slightly.
  6. Optional Thickening: If you desire a thicker soup, sprinkle 1 tbsp all-purpose flour over the aromatics and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  7. Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Add the roasted garlic cloves, fresh thyme sprig, bay leaf, and 1/2 tsp dried marjoram. Stir well to combine all flavors.
  8. Season: Season generously with salt, black pepper, and optionally 1/4 tsp white pepper. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
  9. Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or up to 1 hour, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld together.
  10. Remove Herbs and Adjust Flavor: Remove the thyme sprig and bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  11. Enrich the Soup: For a creamy richness, whisk 1 egg yolk with 1/4 cup heavy cream. Temper this mixture by slowly whisking in about 1 cup of hot soup to prevent curdling. Then, gradually stir the tempered cream mixture back into the pot. Cook gently on low heat for 2-3 minutes without boiling, until the soup slightly thickens.
  12. Prepare Garnishes and Serve: Toast or grill baguette slices until crisp. Ladle hot soup into bowls, float a toasted bread slice on top, and sprinkle with grated Gruyère, Parmesan, or Emmental cheese. Optionally, broil briefly until the cheese is bubbly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives and drizzle a finishing touch of olive oil. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • Roasting the garlic mellows its sharpness and imparts a sweet, buttery flavor to the soup.
  • If you prefer a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth, and swap heavy cream and egg yolk with coconut milk only.
  • The flour is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a lighter, brothier soup.
  • Non-alcoholic white wine is a good alternative to add depth during deglazing without alcohol.
  • Bread and cheese topping can be customized or omitted for dietary preferences.
  • Simmer gently to avoid burning delicate garlic flavors.
  • This soup pairs wonderfully with simple salads or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/authentic-french-country-garlic-soup-cozy-rustic-comfort-recipe/