Country French Garlic Soup
A rustic Provençal classic — velvety garlic broth enriched with egg yolks and Parmesan, served with crusty bread.
Introduction
Garlic soup is one of those timeless dishes that embodies the heart of French country cooking. Simple ingredients — garlic, onion, broth, herbs, and eggs — come together to create a dish that’s both humble and luxurious. In Provence, this soup is often served as a restorative meal, believed to warm the body and soul during cold winters.
This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of slow‑simmered garlic, balanced by fresh thyme and bay leaves, then enriched with a silky liaison of egg yolks and Parmesan. Served with crusty bread, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
2 whole heads of garlic, peeled
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp butter
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 egg yolks
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Crusty bread, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic: Stir in garlic cloves and sauté 2–3 minutes, being careful not to burn.
Simmer Broth: Pour in broth, add thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 30 minutes until garlic is tender and aromatic.
Season: Remove thyme and bay leaves. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with Parmesan.
Temper Eggs: Slowly whisk a ladle of hot soup into egg mixture, then gradually stir back into pot.
Finish Soup: Simmer 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened and velvety.
Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve with crusty bread.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Tips for Success
Use fresh garlic — older cloves can taste bitter.
Temper eggs carefully to avoid scrambling.
For deeper flavor, roast garlic cloves before adding to broth.
Serve immediately for best texture.
Variations
Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken.
Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère or Comté for a more traditional French flavor.
Rustic Style: Float slices of toasted baguette in the soup, topped with melted cheese.
Herbal Twist: Add rosemary or sage for a different aromatic profile.
Serving Ideas
Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.
Serve as a starter for a French‑inspired dinner.
Offer alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish.
Garnish with extra Parmesan for indulgence.
Storytelling Element
Imagine a rustic French kitchen: garlic simmering gently in broth, the aroma filling the air, bread warming in the oven. This soup is more than a recipe — it’s a tradition, a reminder of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort.
Conclusion
This Country French Garlic Soup is velvety, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. With its rustic roots and elegant finish, it’s a dish that brings warmth to the table and showcases the beauty of French country cooking.