COUNTRY FRENCH GARLIC SOUP
This rustic French Garlic Soup is a celebration of the humble garlic. Roasting the garlic mellows its flavor, creating a comforting and flavorful soup. It's simple to make and perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4-6 heads of garlic, cloves separated and unpeeled (Don't be scared by the amount of garlic!)
- 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried herbes de Provence (or a mix of dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: Toasted croutons, grated Gruyère cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, fresh parsley
Instructions
- Roast the garlic: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the unpeeled garlic cloves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-30 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
- Squeeze out the garlic: Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their peels into a medium-sized pot. Discard the peels.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Cook the roasted garlic over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes slightly caramelized. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add broth and aromatics: Pour the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) into the pot. Add the thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and herbes de Provence. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
- Season and serve: Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with toasted croutons, grated Gruyère cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Garlic: Don't be intimidated by the amount of garlic! Roasting mellows its flavor, making it sweet and savory. Use fresh, good-quality garlic.
- Broth: Chicken broth adds more depth of flavor, but vegetable broth is fine for a vegetarian version.
- Simmering: Slow simmering is key to developing the rich flavor of this soup.
- Garnishes: The garnishes are optional, but they add a nice touch of flavor and texture.
- Variations: Some recipes include adding a small amount of cream or milk for extra richness. You can also add other vegetables, such as onions or leeks, to the soup.