French Garlic Soup

Warm up with this velvety French Garlic Soup, a delightful regional specialty from the South of France. This soup is perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings, showcasing the bold flavor of garlic while being surprisingly easy to prepare. Its creamy texture and rich taste make it an excellent choice for any occasion, from casual family meals to elegant dinner parties.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The robust garlic flavor is nicely balanced by the creaminess, making it a heartwarming dish.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup is both nutritious and delicious.
• Quick & Easy: With a total time of just 25 minutes, you can whip up this soup even on busy weeknights.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Impressive Presentation: Garnish with croutons and fresh herbs for an eye-catching dish that wows guests.

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Tools and Preparation

To make French Garlic Soup, having the right tools is essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or stock pot
• Small saucepan
• Immersion blender
• Fork
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or stock pot: Ideal for simmering stocks and soups evenly without burning.
• Immersion blender: Perfect for creating a smooth texture without transferring hot ingredients to another container.
• Fork: Useful for mashing garlic to achieve the desired consistency.

Ingredients

Warm up with this velvety garlic soup, a regional specialty from the South of France thickened with a surprising ingredient!

Base Ingredients

• 64 ounces chicken stock
• small bunch fresh sage

Garlic Ingredients

• 1 large head of garlic

Emulsifying Ingredients

• 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

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

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic

1. Remove the skins from the garlic cloves and slice them in half lengthwise.
2. Remove any bitter embryonic shoots using a sharp knife or toothpick.

Step 3: Boil the Garlic

1. Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil.
2. Add the garlic cloves and boil for 3-4 minutes.
3. Drain the cloves.

Step 4: Mash the Garlic

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

Step 5: Make Mayonnaise

1. In a small jar, combine egg yolk, mustard, salt, and oil.
2. Use an immersion blender at the bottom of the jar, blending while gently lifting it slightly until emulsified.
3. If necessary, add reserved egg white to thicken.

Step 6: Strain (Optional)

1. Strain your soup if you prefer a velvety texture; otherwise, leave it as is.

Step 7: Temper Mayonnaise

1. Take a ladle-ful of hot soup and stir it into your mayonnaise to temper it.
2. Immediately stir the mayonnaise into the soup pot while whisking.

Step 8: Final Heating

1. Return the soup to heat but do not let it boil; otherwise, it may curdle.

Step 9: Serve

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

How to Serve French Garlic Soup

French Garlic Soup is a cozy dish that warms the heart and soul. When serving this delicious soup, consider pairing it with complementary flavors and textures to enhance the dining experience.

Crusty Bread

• Serve slices of crusty baguette or sourdough bread to soak up the rich flavors of the soup.

Fresh Salad

• A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup and adds freshness.

Croutons

• Top the soup with homemade or store-bought croutons for added crunch and texture.

Olive Oil Drizzle

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the flavor profile and adds a luxurious touch.

Smoked Paprika

• Sprinkle smoked paprika on top for a hint of smokiness that complements the garlic.

Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Perfect French Garlic Soup

Perfecting your French Garlic Soup takes just a few key steps that can elevate your dish. Here are some tips to ensure your soup is a creamy delight.

• Choose fresh garlic: Fresh garlic brings out the best taste. Avoid older bulbs as they may be bitter.

• Emulsify properly: When making mayonnaise, ensure your egg yolk and oil are at room temperature for better emulsification.

• Simmer gently: Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps meld flavors without losing creaminess.

• Strain if desired: Straining the soup gives it a velvety smooth texture; however, this step is optional depending on your preference.

• Mind the heat: When re-heating, avoid boiling to prevent curdling of the mayonnaise.

Best Side Dishes for French Garlic Soup

Pairing side dishes with French Garlic Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic combination, perfect for dipping into the warm soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer an assortment of cheeses like brie or camembert for guests to enjoy alongside.
4. Quiche Lorraine: This savory pie complements the soup’s flavors while providing satisfying heartiness.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Flavorful stuffed mushrooms make an excellent finger food pairing with soup.
6. Mediterranean Tapenade: Serve this olive spread on toasted bread for an added layer of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making French Garlic Soup can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common errors will ensure your soup is perfect.

• Overcooking the garlic: Cooking garlic too long can lead to bitterness. To avoid this, boil the garlic only for 3-4 minutes as instructed.
• Ignoring the emulsification: If your mayonnaise doesn’t thicken, you may miss out on a creamy texture. Always blend the egg white into your mayonnaise if it doesn’t emulsify properly.
• Not tempering the mayonnaise: Adding cold mayonnaise directly into hot soup can cause curdling. Always temper by mixing in a ladle of soup first.
• Skipping the straining step: For a velvety texture, straining the soup is key. While optional, this step elevates the mouthfeel significantly.
• Boiling the soup after adding mayonnaise: Boiling can cause the soup to separate. Heat gently after adding the mayonnaise to maintain its consistency.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing French Garlic Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating French Garlic Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making French Garlic Soup.

What makes French Garlic Soup special?

French Garlic Soup stands out due to its rich flavor and creamy texture, enhanced by a unique ingredient—mayonnaise—that adds depth.

Can I make French Garlic Soup vegan?

Yes! Substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock and use aquafaba instead of egg for a delicious vegan version.

How do I enhance the flavor of French Garlic Soup?

You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor or serve with fresh herbs on top for garnish.

Is French Garlic Soup healthy?

Absolutely! It’s low in calories while providing healthy fats from olive oil and protein from eggs.

Final Thoughts

French Garlic Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding seasonal vegetables or spices. Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness that brings joy and satisfaction!