French Garlic Soup

Warm up with this velvety French Garlic Soup, a regional specialty from the South of France thickened with a surprising ingredient! This soup is perfect for cozy dinners, gatherings, or a comforting meal any day. Its rich flavors and creamy texture will impress your guests and become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and sage creates an aromatic base that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this soup in just 25 minutes.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a starter, main course, or alongside crusty bread for a delightful meal.
• Healthy Option: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying.
• Impressive Presentation: A drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of smoked paprika makes this soup look as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or stock pot
• Small saucepan
• Immersion blender
• Fork
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning.
• Immersion blender: Provides a quick way to blend the ingredients into a creamy consistency.
• Sharp knife: Ensures safe and precise cutting of garlic cloves.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 64 ounces chicken stock
– small bunch fresh sage
– 1 large head of garlic
– 2/3 cup olive oil, or other vegetable oil you prefer
– 1 large egg, separated
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– pinch salt

How to Make French Garlic Soup

Step 1: Heat the Stock

Heat the chicken stock and sage in a large Dutch oven or stock pot. Bring to a simmer and then simmer very gently while you prep your garlic.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic

Remove the skins from the garlic cloves and slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the little embryonic shoot using a sharp knife or toothpick to avoid bitterness.

Step 3: Boil the Garlic

Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil and add the garlic cloves. Boil for 3-4 minutes. Drain the cloves.

Step 4: Mash the Garlic

Use the back of a fork to mash the softened garlic until finely mashed. Add it to the stock and continue to gently simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Make Mayonnaise

Put the egg yolk, mustard, salt, and oil in a small jar just wide enough for your immersion blender. Reserve the egg white in case it’s needed later. Blend at the bottom of the jar, lifting slightly until emulsified. If it’s not thickening, add the egg white and blend again.

Step 6: Strain (Optional)

I like to strain my soup at this point for a velvety smooth texture, but this step is optional. If you do strain it, return the soup back to the pot.

Step 7: Temper Mayonnaise

Take a ladle-ful of hot soup and stir it into your mayonnaise to temper it. Then immediately whisk it into the soup pot as you add it.

Step 8: Heat Again

Bring the soup back on the stove and heat until warm but do not let it boil to avoid curdling.

Step 9: Serve!

Serve with crusty croutons, an extra drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious French Garlic Soup!

How to Serve French Garlic Soup

French Garlic Soup is not only comforting but also versatile in how you can serve it. Pairing the soup with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal and enhance the flavors of this aromatic dish.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked baguette slices, perfect for dipping into the velvety soup.
• Rustic country bread adds a hearty touch, providing a satisfying crunch.

Garnished with Herbs

• Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• A sprinkle of chives offers a mild onion flavor that complements garlic beautifully.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A finishing touch of high-quality olive oil enriches the flavor profile.
• Infused olive oils, such as rosemary or chili, can give an exciting twist.

Topped with Croutons

• Homemade croutons add texture and are great for scooping up the soup.
• Garlic-flavored croutons enhance the overall garlic experience!

How to Perfect French Garlic Soup

Creating the perfect French Garlic Soup takes a few careful steps to ensure rich flavors and smooth texture. Here are some tips to help you achieve that velvety consistency and delightful taste.

• Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic cloves yield a sweeter and more robust flavor compared to pre-minced versions.
• Simmer gently: Avoid boiling the soup after adding mayonnaise to prevent curdling; gentle heating ensures a creamy texture.
• Strain for smoothness: Straining the soup gives it an elegant, velvety finish that enhances your dining experience.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving; a pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference in flavor.
• Serve warm: Ensure your soup is heated properly before serving for optimal enjoyment.

Best Side Dishes for French Garlic Soup

Complement your French Garlic Soup with these delightful side dishes that pair well together. Each option enhances your meal while providing a variety of textures and flavors.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfect for soaking up any leftover soup.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup, adding freshness to your plate.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like Brie or Camembert pairs beautifully with the flavors of garlic and herbs.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide sweetness and depth alongside your soup.
5. Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche filled with spinach or mushroom makes for a hearty accompaniment.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized delights offer umami flavors that complement garlic well while being easy to eat alongside soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making French Garlic Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring garlic preparation: Not removing the embryonic shoot from garlic cloves can lead to bitterness. Always remove it for a smoother taste.
• Skimping on simmer time: Rushing through the simmering step can affect the flavor. Let the soup simmer gently to develop its rich taste.
• Overheating the soup: Boiling after adding mayonnaise can curdle it. Heat gently and avoid boiling once the mayo is added.
• Skipping straining: For a velvety texture, straining the soup is essential. Don’t skip this step if you prefer a smoother consistency.
• Not tempering mayonnaise: Adding mayonnaise directly to hot soup can cause separation. Temper it first with hot soup before mixing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing French Garlic Soup

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating French Garlic Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls in short bursts, stirring in between until heated through.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or curdling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making French Garlic Soup.

What is French Garlic Soup?

French Garlic Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish made primarily from garlic, chicken stock, and olive oil, known for its comforting qualities.

How can I customize my French Garlic Soup?

You can adjust flavors by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary or include vegetables like leeks or potatoes for added texture and flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth and use aquafaba instead of egg yolk for emulsifying your mayonnaise.

How do I serve French Garlic Soup?

Serve it warm with crusty bread or croutons on top. A drizzle of olive oil enhances its richness beautifully.

Final Thoughts

French Garlic Soup is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and warmth, perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences, making it an easy go-to recipe for cozy meals. Give it a try today!