French Garlic Soup

Warm up with this velvety French Garlic Soup, a delightful dish that showcases the rich flavors of garlic and herbs. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a comforting starter for a dinner party, this soup is thickened with an unexpected ingredient, creating a unique and satisfying experience. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or at a special gathering, its creamy texture and robust taste make it a standout choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and sage gives this soup an aromatic depth that warms the soul.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Dish: Ideal as an appetizer or main course, this garlic soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or croutons.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your cravings.
• Impressive Presentation: A beautiful bowl of garlic soup topped with olive oil and fresh herbs looks gourmet, making it perfect for entertaining.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes preparing French Garlic Soup easier and more efficient. Here are the essentials you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or stock pot: Provides even heating for simmering the chicken stock and ensures consistent temperature throughout cooking.
• Immersion blender: Allows you to easily blend the soup until smooth without transferring it to another container, saving time and reducing mess.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for boiling the garlic cloves, ensuring they soften properly before adding them to the soup.

Ingredients

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

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 as these can be bitter. Use the tip of a sharp knife or toothpick to pry them out.

Step 3: Boil Garlic Cloves

Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil and add the garlic cloves. Boil for 3–4 minutes until softened, then drain.

Step 4: Mash Garlic

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

Step 5: Make Mayonnaise

In a small jar just wide enough for your immersion blender, combine egg yolk, mustard, salt, and oil. Blend at the bottom of the jar while gently lifting it until emulsified. If it’s not thickening, add egg white and blend again.

Step 6: Strain if Desired

Strain your soup at this point if you prefer a velvety texture. If straining, return the strained soup back into the pot.

Step 7: Temper Mayonnaise

Take a ladleful of hot soup and stir it into your mayonnaise to temper it before whisking it into the pot all at once.

Step 8: Heat Through

Return the soup to low heat just until warm but do not let it boil—this prevents curdling.

Step 9: Serve

Serve warm with crusty croutons, an extra drizzle of olive oil, smoked paprika sprinkle, and fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve French Garlic Soup

French Garlic Soup is a warm and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a simple meal or something more elaborate, here are some serving ideas to enhance your dining experience.

Crusty Croutons

• Toasted bread cubes add a delightful crunch to your soup. You can make your own by cubing stale bread, tossing it with olive oil, and baking until golden.

Drizzle of Olive Oil

• A splash of high-quality olive oil enhances the flavor of the soup. Drizzle it just before serving for a rich finish.

Smoked Paprika

• For an extra kick, sprinkle smoked paprika on top. It adds depth and a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with garlic.

Fresh Parsley

• Chopped fresh parsley provides a pop of color and freshness. It brightens up the dish and complements the soup’s richness.

Grated Parmesan Cheese

• A light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds umami and creaminess. It melts slightly into the hot soup for an irresistible taste.

Side Salad

• Pairing the soup with a light side salad can balance the meal. Use fresh greens, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing for a crisp contrast.

How to Perfect French Garlic Soup

To truly master French Garlic Soup, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your dish to restaurant quality.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will significantly enhance the flavor profile of your soup.
• Control Heat Carefully: Simmer gently to prevent boiling; this keeps the texture smooth without curdling any emulsified ingredients.
• Strain for Smoothness: Straining the soup gives it a velvety consistency. If you prefer more texture, feel free to skip this step.
• Experiment with Herbs: While sage is traditional, try adding thyme or rosemary for unique flavor variations.
• Mind Your Egg Emulsion: If your mayonnaise doesn’t thicken right away, don’t hesitate to whisk in the egg white to achieve creaminess.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go when adding salt or other seasonings; this ensures balanced flavors throughout.

Best Side Dishes for French Garlic Soup

French Garlic Soup pairs wonderfully with many side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread is a classic choice. Spread butter mixed with minced garlic over slices before broiling until crispy.
2. Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses like Brie or Camembert that melt in your mouth alongside crusty bread.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness and offer nutritional balance; consider carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
5. Quiche Lorraine: This savory pie filled with eggs, bacon, and cheese makes for an elegant pairing that echoes French cuisine.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A gooey grilled cheese on sourdough offers comfort and pairs well with the smoothness of garlic soup.
7. Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked mushrooms stuffed with herbs and breadcrumbs provide an earthy element that complements every spoonful of soup.
8. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges offer crunchiness; bake them until golden brown for an appealing side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making French Garlic Soup, some common mistakes can affect the final taste and texture. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Skipping the garlic prep – Not removing the embryonic shoots from garlic can lead to a bitter taste. Always slice the garlic lengthwise and remove these shoots before cooking.
• Boiling the soup too vigorously – Allowing the soup to boil can curdle the mayonnaise when added. Gently simmer your soup to maintain a smooth texture.
• Neglecting emulsification – Failing to properly blend mayonnaise can result in separation. Ensure you use an immersion blender correctly to achieve a thick consistency.
• Avoiding straining – If you prefer a smoother soup, don’t skip straining it. Straining removes any chunky bits for a velvety finish.
• Inadequate seasoning – Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste and adjust salt or other seasonings as needed for optimal flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing French Garlic Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

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: Reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making French Garlic Soup.

What makes French Garlic Soup unique?

French Garlic Soup is unique due to its rich flavor profile, enhanced by fresh sage and a creamy mayonnaise base that adds depth and richness.

Can I customize my French Garlic Soup?

Yes! You can customize it by adding vegetables like leeks or even using different herbs to enhance the flavor profile according to your preferences.

How do I serve French Garlic Soup?

Serve warm with crusty croutons, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added flavor and presentation.

Is French Garlic Soup healthy?

Yes! This soup is low in carbs and packed with healthy fats from olive oil, making it both nutritious and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

French Garlic Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. Feel free to experiment with flavors and toppings to suit your taste. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or paired with bread, this recipe promises warmth and satisfaction for any meal.