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French Garlic Soup

French Garlic Soup
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French Garlic Soup is a comforting and soulful dish featuring the rich, mellow flavor of roasted garlic blended with onions, broth, and cream. This hearty soup is easy to prepare using simple pantry ingredients, perfect for cold days or as a versatile starter or main course. Topped with toasted cheese crostini and fresh herbs, it delivers a warm, creamy texture and a delightful balance of bold and smooth flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 whole fresh garlic bulbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for roasting and sautéing)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup cream or milk
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or other herbs like rosemary, sage, or tarragon)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Toppings

  • 1 baguette or crusty bread, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese (or aged cheddar as an alternative)

Instructions

  1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the tops off the garlic bulbs to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for about 40 minutes until soft, golden, and fragrant.
  2. Sauté the Onions: While the garlic roasts, heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook slowly until they become translucent and slightly caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness.
  3. Combine and Simmer: Squeeze the softened roasted garlic cloves from their skins into the pot with the onions. Pour in the broth, add fresh thyme and parsley, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and puree until smooth and velvety. Return the blended soup to the pot if needed.
  5. Add Cream and Season: Stir in the cream or milk to create a luscious texture. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Prepare Toppings: Slice the baguette into thin rounds, toast them until golden brown, then sprinkle grated cheese over the toasts. Broil the cheese-topped toasts until melted and bubbling.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, float the cheesy crostini on top, and garnish with additional fresh herbs for an inviting presentation.

Notes

  • Roast garlic slowly to achieve a soft, caramelized flavor essential to the soup’s richness.
  • Cook onions gently over medium-low heat to prevent burning and enhance their sweetness.
  • Use a good quality broth to deepen the soup’s flavor profile.
  • Blend the soup thoroughly for a smooth, indulgent texture.
  • Season gradually with salt and pepper for precise flavor control.
  • Choose cheese varieties that melt well and add a nutty, creamy finish like Gruyère or Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Garlic Soup, roasted garlic soup, creamy garlic soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, garlic lovers, French cuisine

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/french-garlic-soup/