French Garlic Soup

Warm up with this velvety French Garlic Soup, a regional specialty from the South of France thickened with a surprising ingredient! This delightful soup is perfect for cozy evenings, elegant dinners, or even as an impressive starter for gatherings. Its rich, aromatic flavors and creamy texture will surely impress your guests and warm your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup can be prepared by cooks of any skill level.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and sage in this soup creates an incredible depth of flavor that’s both comforting and satisfying.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a starter, side dish, or even as a light meal paired with crusty bread.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious garlic and wholesome chicken stock, this soup offers health benefits alongside its delicious taste.
• Impressive Presentation: With its silky finish and garnishes like croutons and parsley, this dish looks as great as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

To create your French Garlic Soup, you’ll need some specific tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or stock pot
• Small saucepan
• Immersion blender
• Fork or potato masher
• Strainer (optional)
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch Oven or Stock Pot: This is essential for simmering your chicken stock evenly without burning.
• Immersion Blender: It makes blending the mayonnaise easy while ensuring a smooth texture for the soup.
• Strainer: Optional but recommended for achieving that velvety consistency. A good strainer helps remove any bits that could disrupt the smooth mouthfeel.

Ingredients

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

Main 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 Chicken 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 for better flavor. Use the tip of a sharp knife or a toothpick to pry them out and discard.

Step 3: Boil the Garlic Cloves

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

Step 4: Mash the Garlic

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

Step 5: Make Mayonnaise

In a small jar just wide enough for your immersion blender, add egg yolk, mustard, salt, and oil. Reserve the egg white; you may need it later. Blend at the bottom of the jar while lifting slightly until emulsified. If not thickening, add egg white and blend again.

Step 6: Strain (Optional)

Strain your soup if you prefer a velvety smooth texture. If you strain it, return it back into the pot afterward.

Step 7: Combine Mayonnaise with Soup

Take a ladle-full of hot soup and stir it into your mayonnaise to temper it. Then immediately stir this mixture back into the pot while whisking continuously.

Step 8: Final Heating

Bring your soup back onto the stove to heat up but avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

Step 9: Serving Suggestions

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

How to Serve French Garlic Soup

Serving French garlic soup can elevate your dining experience. This rich and velvety soup is not only comforting but also pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Fresh baguette slices make the perfect accompaniment for dipping into the garlic soup. The crunchy texture contrasts wonderfully with the creamy soup.

Topped with Croutons

• Add some homemade or store-bought croutons for extra crunch. They soak up flavors while providing a delightful texture.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the flavor profile of the French garlic soup, adding richness and depth.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkling fresh parsley or chives adds color and a burst of freshness that complements the garlic flavor perfectly.

Served Alongside a Salad

• A light salad, such as a simple mixed greens salad, balances the richness of the soup and adds a refreshing element to your meal.

How to Perfect French Garlic Soup

Perfecting your French garlic soup can take it from good to exceptional. Here are some tips to ensure your soup is always a hit.

• Choose Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide a more vibrant flavor than older ones, making your soup taste incredible.

• Don’t Skip Straining: For an ultra-smooth texture, strain your soup before serving. This step ensures any lumps are removed for that velvety finish.

• Temper Your Mayonnaise: Mix hot soup into your mayonnaise before adding it to the pot. This technique prevents curdling and helps integrate flavors smoothly.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt or an extra drizzle of olive oil can enhance flavors significantly.

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 that complement this dish beautifully.

1. Simple Green Salad
   A mix of leafy greens with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.

2. Cheese Toasts
   Toasted bread topped with melted cheese provides a savory crunch that goes perfectly with garlic flavors.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your meal while enhancing its overall flavor profile.

4. Stuffed Mushrooms
   Savory stuffed mushrooms bring an earthy depth that pairs well with the aromatic qualities of French garlic soup.

5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
   A classic grilled cheese sandwich offers comfort food vibes while being easy to prepare alongside the soup.

6. Potato Wedges
   Crispy potato wedges provide a hearty side that complements the smoothness of the garlic soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making French Garlic Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect soup.

• Skipping the garlic prep: Not removing the embryonic shoot can lead to bitterness. Always take the time to remove it for a smoother taste.
• Not simmering gently: Cooking the soup too quickly can alter its delicate flavors. Keep your heat low and allow it to simmer slowly for the best results.
• Ignoring the straining option: If you prefer a smooth texture, don’t skip straining the soup after cooking. This step is optional but recommended for velvety consistency.
• Rushing the mayonnaise process: Blending too aggressively can cause the mayonnaise not to emulsify properly. Take your time and blend gently, adjusting with egg white if needed.
• Boiling after adding mayonnaise: Boiling the soup after adding mayonnaise can curdle it. Heat gently and avoid boiling for a creamy finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing French Garlic Soup

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

Reheating French Garlic Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is French Garlic Soup?

French Garlic Soup is a comforting dish made primarily from garlic, chicken stock, and olive oil, creating a rich and flavorful experience.

How can I customize my French Garlic Soup?

You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary or incorporate vegetables such as leeks for added flavor and nutrition.

Is French Garlic Soup healthy?

Yes! With its base of garlic and chicken stock, this soup provides health benefits such as antioxidants while remaining low in calories.

Can I make French Garlic Soup vegan?

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

What do I serve with French Garlic Soup?

Pair it with crusty bread or croutons for dipping. A fresh salad also complements this warm dish beautifully.

Final Thoughts

French Garlic Soup is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Its creamy texture and rich garlic flavor make it an ideal starter or light meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or veggies! Give this comforting recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.