This Country French Garlic Soup is a comforting, rustic dish that highlights the deep, mellow flavor of slow-cooked garlic. As the garlic simmers, it softens and sweetens, creating a smooth, aromatic broth that feels both nourishing and elegant.
Traditionally enjoyed in rural French kitchens, this soup turns simple pantry staples into a rich and satisfying meal. Finished with egg yolks and cheese for a velvety texture, it’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave something warm and soothing.
Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Whisk
- Immersion blender or countertop blender
- Ladle
- Small bowl
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 12 garlic cloves, peeled
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
- Optional serving: toasted bread cubes
instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic cloves and cook gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the broth and add the bay leaf and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the garlic is very soft.
- Remove the bay leaf and thyme. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or by carefully transferring it to a blender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and grated cheese.
- Slowly ladle a small amount of hot soup into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper it.
- Gradually stir the tempered egg mixture back into the pot.
- Heat gently over low heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the soup thickens slightly. Do not boil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with parsley and toasted bread cubes if desired.
Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4–6
- Cuisine: French
- Course: Soup
How to store
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often.
- Avoid boiling when reheating to prevent curdling.
what not to do
- Do not brown the garlic — it should stay pale and fragrant.
- Do not add egg yolks directly to hot soup without tempering.
- Avoid boiling the soup after adding the egg mixture.
Tips & Variations
- Roast the garlic first for a sweeter, milder flavor.
- Add a splash of cream for extra richness.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for subtle warmth.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~230 kcal
- Protein: ~10 g
- Fat: ~14 g
- Carbohydrates: ~14 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Sugar: ~3 g
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic cloves and cook gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the broth and add the bay leaf and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the garlic is very soft.
- Remove the bay leaf and thyme. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or by carefully transferring it to a blender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and grated cheese.
- Slowly ladle a small amount of hot soup into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper it.
- Gradually stir the tempered egg mixture back into the pot.
- Heat gently over low heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the soup thickens slightly. Do not boil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with parsley and toasted bread cubes if desired.
Notes
- Protein: ~10 g
- Fat: ~14 g
- Carbohydrates: ~14 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Sugar: ~3 g
Conclusion
This Country French Garlic Soup is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create deep, satisfying flavor. With garlic as the star, it offers comfort, nourishment, and elegance without heavy cream, making it a wholesome option for cozy meals.
FAQs
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but reheat gently to preserve texture. - Is this soup very garlicky?
The garlic flavor is mellow and smooth, not sharp. - Can I freeze this soup?
Freeze before adding egg yolks, then finish fresh when reheating. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. - What bread pairs best?
Crusty country-style bread works best.
