Country French Garlic Soup is a comforting, rustic dish that’s perfect for any season. Bursting with flavor from fresh garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs, this soup is both rich and satisfying. Its golden hue and deep, savory taste are complemented by the addition of broth and a subtle hint of wine, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Topped with crunchy croutons and melted cheese, this garlic soup offers a truly indulgent experience. Often served in charming French bistros, it’s a dish that evokes the warmth and coziness of the French countryside, making it a perfect addition to any dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Garlic Lovers’ Dream
This soup is a celebration of garlic, with a full and fragrant garlic flavor that’s mellowed by slow cooking. If you’re a fan of garlic, you’ll fall in love with this rich, aromatic soup.
2. Comforting and Hearty
The soup is hearty and satisfying, making it a perfect meal for a cozy night in. The combination of savory broth and rich garlic creates a comforting dish that will warm you from the inside out.
3. Simple, Fresh Ingredients
This recipe uses simple ingredients like garlic, onions, herbs, and broth, making it easy to prepare yet incredibly flavorful. It’s an easy way to enjoy a taste of rustic French cuisine.
4. Versatile
You can adjust the flavor to your liking by adding different herbs, such as thyme or bay leaves, and even experimenting with the type of cheese you use for topping.
5. Perfect for Special Occasions
Country French Garlic Soup is great for dinner parties, holidays, or gatherings where you want to impress your guests with something homemade and delicious. Its bold flavors and presentation are sure to wow everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Fresh garlic (peeled and minced)
- Yellow onions (chopped)
- Olive oil
- Dry white wine
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
- French baguette (sliced)
- Gruyère cheese (shredded)
- Heavy cream (optional, for a creamy finish)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Variations
- Creamy Garlic Soup: Add a splash of heavy cream or whole milk to the soup toward the end of cooking for a creamy, smooth texture.
- Roasted Garlic Soup: Roast the garlic in the oven before adding it to the soup for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage for added depth of flavor.
- Vegan Option: Skip the cheese and heavy cream, and use vegetable broth to make a completely vegan version of this garlic soup.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 2: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any bits that have stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly.
Step 3: Add Broth and Herbs
Add the chicken or vegetable broth, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Season the Soup
Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. You can adjust the seasoning based on your preference, adding a pinch of salt or a few cracks of black pepper to balance the flavors.
Step 5: Prepare the Croutons
While the soup is simmering, toast the slices of French baguette. You can do this in a toaster, on a baking sheet in the oven, or by grilling them on a stovetop griddle. Once toasted, rub each slice with a clove of raw garlic for an extra boost of flavor.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
To serve, ladle the garlic soup into bowls, placing a slice or two of the garlic-rubbed toasted baguette on top of each bowl. Sprinkle with shredded Gruyère cheese, and either melt the cheese under a broiler or let it melt naturally in the warm soup. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so be sure to sauté it gently to avoid a bitter taste.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves give the soup a vibrant, aromatic flavor. If using dried herbs, reduce the amount since they’re more concentrated.
- Wine Substitute: If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute with additional broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for some acidity.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more broth until you reach the desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker soup, let it cook longer without adding more liquid.
How to Serve
Country French Garlic Soup is perfect on its own or as part of a multi-course meal. Serve it as an appetizer before a main course or enjoy it as a cozy meal with a salad or a light side. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp, fresh salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, or with a plate of French charcuterie for an elegant spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat, adding a little extra broth if it’s thickened too much.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Reheating
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it warms evenly. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the desired consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more flavorful the next day.
2. Can I use roasted garlic for the soup?
Absolutely! Roasting the garlic will give the soup a more mellow, sweet flavor. Just roast a few heads of garlic and use them in place of fresh garlic in the recipe.
3. Is there a vegan version of this soup?
Yes, you can make this soup vegan by using vegetable broth, skipping the heavy cream and cheese, and adding a vegan cheese alternative if desired.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like leeks, carrots, or celery for added flavor and texture. Simply sauté them with the onions.
5. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
6. How do I prevent the garlic from being too overpowering?
Cooking the garlic slowly helps mellow its flavor. If you prefer a more delicate garlic taste, roast the garlic before adding it to the soup.
7. Can I make this soup without wine?
Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with broth or a splash of vinegar to provide acidity.
8. What type of cheese should I use?
Gruyère is the traditional choice for French garlic soup, but you can also use Swiss cheese, cheddar, or any cheese that melts well.
9. Can I serve the soup without croutons?
While the croutons add texture, you can skip them if you prefer. You can also use toasted nuts for a crunchy topping.
10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free bread for the croutons, and make sure to use a gluten-free broth.
Conclusion
Country French Garlic Soup is the ultimate comforting dish, with deep, savory flavors and a satisfying texture. Perfect for cold nights, special gatherings, or any occasion when you want to indulge in a rich, aromatic soup, this recipe will transport you straight to the heart of the French countryside. Whether served as a starter or a main dish, this soup is sure to delight anyone who loves bold flavors and rustic, homemade cooking.
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Country French Garlic Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This comforting and flavorful Country French Garlic Soup is a rich and aromatic dish, infused with the deep flavors of roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and hearty vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy meal, this soup embodies the essence of rustic French cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1 large head of garlic (about 12–15 cloves), peeled and minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for richness)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Crusty French bread or baguette slices (for serving)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic. - Add the liquids and vegetables:
Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it cook for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Add the chicken or vegetable broth, thyme, bay leaf, potatoes, and carrots. Bring the soup to a simmer. - Simmer the soup:
Lower the heat and simmer the soup for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender. - Blend the soup (optional):
For a smooth soup, remove the bay leaf, then use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches. If you prefer a chunky soup, you can skip this step. - Finish the soup:
Stir in the heavy cream (if using) to add richness and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with freshly chopped parsley and serve with crusty French bread or baguette slices on the side. Grate some Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, you can roast the garlic ahead of time by wrapping whole garlic bulbs in foil and baking them at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes.
- The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- If you want a heartier soup, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or beans for additional protei
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Soup, Comfort Food
- Cuisine: Simmering, Blending (optional)