Susie Drage
Music, Art & Cookery
The Cookery Book
Country French Garlic Soup
Country French Garlic Soup Recipe
November 8, 2024 by Wendy Balderas
Country French Garlic Soup, or “Soupe à l’Ail” as it is known in French, is a traditional and rustic dish that celebrates the robust flavor of garlic in a comforting, savory broth. This recipe combines creamy textures, aromatic herbs, and a slightly thickened broth enriched with egg yolks and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is ideal for garlic lovers and those looking for a soothing, nutrient-rich meal that pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping.
Overview of the Recipe
Country French Garlic Soup is a delicate, velvety soup prepared by slow-cooking whole garlic cloves with onions, broth, and herbs until the flavors meld into a mild, rich blend. Unlike many garlic recipes that focus on bold, raw flavors, this soup’s garlic mellows as it cooks, becoming soft and almost sweet. This allows the soup to be savory yet mild, offering warmth and depth.
Country French Garlic Soup is a comforting, creamy soup with a deep garlic flavor balanced by fresh thyme, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of egg yolk. Perfect for a cold day, this French classic is both rustic and refined, bringing warmth and savory notes to your table.
History and Origin
French garlic soup has its roots in the southern regions of France, where garlic is a culinary staple. Traditional French cuisine often features garlic prominently, particularly in the Provence and Languedoc regions. French garlic soup recipes date back centuries and were typically made with simple ingredients readily available in rural kitchens, making it a dish rich in both flavor and tradition.
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Author: Wendy Balderas Total Time: 45 minutes Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 35 minutes
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Category: Soup
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Method: French
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Cuisine: Vegetarian (optional)
INGREDIENTS
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 onion, chopped
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2 tbsp butter
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2 whole heads of garlic, peeled (about 20–24 cloves)
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6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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2 sprigs fresh thyme
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2 bay leaves
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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4 egg yolks
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Crusty bread, for serving
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
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Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil and butter in a pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic cloves, cook 2-3 minutes.
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Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in broth, add thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.
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Remove Herbs and Season: Discard thyme and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
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Temper Egg Yolks: In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and Parmesan. Gradually add a ladle of hot soup to the egg mixture, then return to pot.
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Thicken Soup: Simmer 5 minutes, stirring until slightly thickened.
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Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve with crusty bread.
NOTES
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Fresh garlic is key for optimal flavor.
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For a vegan version, omit egg yolks and Parmesan, and add a splash of coconut milk for creaminess.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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