If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s full of rich flavors and perfect for chilly days, Country French Garlic Soup is just what you need! This traditional French soup, known for its robust garlic flavor, is both hearty and soothing. With a base of rich broth, caramelized garlic, and a touch of wine, it’s an irresistible dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re enjoying it as a starter for a special meal or as a light dinner, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Country French Garlic Soup is full of deep, savory flavors with a comforting richness that’s perfect for any season. The garlic provides a bold punch, but when slow-cooked, it becomes mellow and sweet, adding a delightful complexity to the broth. With a touch of fresh herbs, a sprinkle of cheese, and toasted bread for extra texture, this soup is guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s simple to make and feels like you’re sitting in a cozy French bistro with each spoonful!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:
- Garlic, the star of the show
- Chicken or vegetable broth for the savory base
- Dry white wine for depth of flavor
- Fresh thyme and bay leaves for a fragrant herbal touch
The full list of ingredients and measurements is below in the recipe card!
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves and sauté, stirring frequently, until golden and soft (about 10 minutes). Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the onion and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until softened.
- Pour in the white wine and stir, letting it simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
- Add the broth, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- While the soup is simmering, toast slices of baguette or rustic bread in the oven until crispy.
- Once the soup is ready, remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and top each with a slice of toasted bread. Sprinkle with grated cheese (Gruyère or Parmesan works well) and let it melt into the soup.
- Serve warm, and enjoy the deep, comforting flavors of this French classic!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- If you love garlic, feel free to add extra cloves for an even bolder flavor.
- To avoid any bitterness, make sure to sauté the garlic gently over medium heat—too high of a heat can cause it to burn and turn bitter.
- For a thicker soup, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender, leaving some garlic pieces for texture.
- To make the soup even heartier, you can add a handful of diced potatoes or leeks when sautéing the garlic and onion.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese on top, or use a non-dairy cheese alternative.
- You can swap the white wine for dry vermouth or omit it entirely and add a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
- Add some crumbled crispy bacon or sausage for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, perhaps with a lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the garlic. Serve alongside a loaf of crusty French bread to dip into the soup for a truly authentic experience. If you’re in the mood for wine, a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé would complement the garlic and broth beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little more broth if necessary. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months—just be sure to freeze without the toasted bread. When reheating, add fresh bread and cheese for that delightful crunch and melt.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
2. Is it necessary to blend the soup?
Blending the soup is optional. Some prefer it chunky, while others enjoy a smooth texture. If you want a smoother soup, blend part of it until creamy and leave some of the garlic pieces intact.
3. Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Yes, you can add carrots, leeks, or potatoes for extra texture and flavor. Simply sauté them along with the onions and garlic.
4. Can I make this soup without wine?
Yes, you can omit the wine and use more broth or a splash of vinegar to add a bit of acidity to the soup.
Conclusion
Country French Garlic Soup is the perfect blend of savory flavors and comfort. It’s simple yet sophisticated, with a depth of flavor that only garlic and slow-simmered broth can achieve. Whether you’re looking for a light, satisfying starter or a cozy meal on a chilly evening, this soup will bring the warmth of France to your kitchen. With the richness of garlic, fresh herbs, and a cheesy toast topping, every spoonful is like a taste of holiday cheer!
Print
Country French Garlic Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Country French Garlic Soup is a savory, aromatic dish filled with the rich flavor of roasted garlic, vegetables, and a hint of herbs. This comforting soup is traditionally made with a simple base of garlic, onions, and a broth, creating a hearty and satisfying meal, ideal for chilly days or a rustic French-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 head of garlic, separated into cloves (about 10–12 cloves), peeled
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups (475ml) water
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
- Crusty bread (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the whole garlic cloves on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little olive oil. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until soft and golden. Let cool slightly, then squeeze out the roasted garlic from the skins. Set aside. - Prepare the Soup Base:
In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. - Add the Broth and Potatoes:
Add the roasted garlic cloves, chicken or vegetable broth, water, diced potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. - Puree the Soup:
Remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can leave it slightly chunky. For an extra creamy soup, you can stir in the heavy cream. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, ensure you’re using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend in some of the potatoes for extra creaminess.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg