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Country French Garlic Soup

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4 from 27 reviews

A soul-warming Country French Garlic Soup that combines the richness of roasted garlic and caramelized onions, enhanced with herbs and a creamy finish. Perfect for chilly days and served best with crusty bread for a comforting appetizer experience.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup

  • 2 whole Garlic Heads, roasted for depth of flavor
  • 2 medium Onions, caramelized for natural sweetness
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, essential for sautéing
  • 2 tablespoons Butter, for richness; can use plant-based
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme, herbal note; fresh parsley can replace
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf, for complex flavor
  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth, base for the soup
  • 1 cup Milk or Cream, for creaminess; use oat milk for vegan
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste, essential seasoning
  • Optional Additions: white wine, Parmesan rind, nutmeg, as desired

Instructions

  1. Roast Garlic: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the garlic heads by slicing off the tops, drizzling them with olive oil, and wrapping them in foil. Roast for 35-40 minutes until the garlic is golden and tender, which develops a deep, mellow flavor essential for the soup.
  2. Caramelize Onions: While the garlic roasts, sauté the onions in olive oil and butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the onions become beautifully caramelized, which takes about 15-20 minutes, bringing out their natural sweetness and richness.
  3. Combine Flavors: Once the garlic is roasted and onions caramelized, combine them in a pot with thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients well to prepare the base of the soup, layering the flavors thoughtfully.
  4. Simmer the Soup: Add the vegetable broth to the mixture and bring to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld together perfectly.
  5. Blend and Finish: Remove the bay leaf and blend the soup using a blender or immersion blender until you reach your desired consistency—smooth and creamy or slightly textured. Stir in milk or cream and heat gently without boiling to achieve a luscious finish.
  6. Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with cracked black pepper and freshly chopped parsley. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, making an ideal comforting appetizer.

Notes

  • Allow flavors to develop further by letting leftover soup sit for a day before reheating.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze leftovers without dairy for up to 3 months to preserve texture and flavor.
  • Optional additions like white wine, Parmesan rind, or a pinch of nutmeg can add extra depth to the soup.
  • Use plant-based butter and oat milk if preparing a vegan version.