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
Scale
- 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)