Warm up with this velvety French Garlic Soup, a delightful regional specialty from the South of France. This soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for cozy evenings or special gatherings. Its unique creamy texture and rich garlic flavor will surely impress your family and friends, while the addition of homemade mayonnaise adds an unexpected twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor – The combination of garlic and fresh sage creates a depth of flavor that is both savory and satisfying.
- Quick to Prepare – With a total cook time of just 25 minutes, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious Option – Packed with healthy ingredients, this soup is a delicious way to enjoy a nutritious meal.
- Versatile Serving Suggestions – Pair it with crusty bread or croutons for added texture; it complements many dishes well.
- Impressive Presentation – Serve in elegant bowls, garnished with herbs for a beautiful dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you begin.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or stock pot
- Sharp knife
- Small saucepan
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Strainer (optional)
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Dutch oven or stock pot – Ideal for simmering the soup evenly without burning.
- Immersion blender – Perfect for achieving a creamy texture without the hassle of transferring hot liquids to a traditional blender.
Ingredients
Warm up with this velvety garlic soup, a regional specialty from the South of France thickened with a surprising ingredient!
For the Soup
- 64 ounces chicken stock
- small bunch fresh sage
- 1 large head of garlic
For the Mayonnaise
- 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. These can be bitter, especially when using lots of garlic in a recipe, so it’s best to discard them. Use the tip of a sharp knife or a toothpick to pry them out.
Step 3: Boil the Garlic
Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil and add the garlic cloves. 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 finely mashed. Add it to the stock and continue to gently simmer for another 10 minutes.
Step 5: Make the Mayonnaise
In a small jar suitable for an immersion blender, combine the egg yolk, mustard, salt, and oil. Reserve the egg white. Blend at the bottom of the jar while gently lifting it to emulsify all ingredients. If your mayonnaise doesn’t thicken immediately, add the reserved egg white and blend again.
Step 6: Strain (Optional)
If desired, strain your soup for an ultra-smooth texture. If straining, return it back into the pot afterward.
Step 7: Combine Mayonnaise and Soup
Take a ladleful of hot soup and stir it into your mayonnaise to temper it. Then stir this mixture into your soup pot while whisking continuously.
Step 8: Heat Without Boiling
Return the soup to heat on your stove until warm but do not let it boil as this may curdle it.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your French Garlic Soup topped 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 delightful dish that warms the soul and tantalizes the taste buds. Serving it just right can elevate this comforting meal even further.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Freshly baked baguette or sourdough complements the soup’s rich flavor, perfect for dipping and soaking up every drop.
Add a Drizzle of Olive Oil
- A splash of high-quality olive oil adds a lush finish, enhancing the soup’s garlic notes while providing a silky mouthfeel.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top offers freshness and color, making your bowl look even more inviting.
Serve with Croutons
- Crunchy croutons provide a delightful contrast in texture and can be seasoned to match your soup’s flavor profile.
Offer Smoked Paprika
- A light dusting of smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness and depth, balancing the garlic’s potency beautifully.
How to Perfect French Garlic Soup
Perfecting French Garlic Soup takes a few simple techniques. With these tips, you can achieve that velvety texture and rich flavor.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring out the best flavor; avoid pre-minced options for optimal taste.
- Emulsify Carefully: When making the mayonnaise, blend gradually to ensure a smooth texture without curdling.
- Strain for Smoothness: Straining the soup after simmering gives it an elegant consistency, ideal for special occasions.
- Monitor Temperature: Keep the soup below boiling after adding mayonnaise to maintain creaminess and prevent separation.
- Experiment with Herbs: Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary during cooking can enhance the flavor profile uniquely.
Best Side Dishes for French Garlic Soup
Pairing side dishes with French Garlic Soup can create a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some excellent choices to consider:
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness that balances the richness of the soup.
- Cheese Plate: Include a variety of cheeses like Brie or Camembert for creamy indulgence alongside your soup.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned grilled veggies add a smoky element that complements the garlic flavors perfectly.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make for an excellent appetizer that pairs well with garlic.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes offer heartiness that rounds out your meal while being a crowd-pleaser.
- Pâté on Toast: Serve a rich pâté spread on toasted bread for an elegant starter before enjoying your soup.
- Olive Tapenade Crostini: Flavorful tapenade on crusty bread provides a sharp contrast to the creamy soup.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats and olives creates an inviting appetizer spread with bold flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making French Garlic Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Ignoring garlic prep: Not removing the embryonic shoots from the garlic can lead to bitterness. Always slice the cloves in half and remove these shoots for a better taste.
- Overcooking the soup: Allowing the soup to boil after adding the mayonnaise can curdle it. Gently heat instead, ensuring you maintain a smooth consistency.
- Skipping the straining step: Some may choose not to strain the soup, but skipping this can result in a grainy texture. Straining will give you a velvety-smooth finish.
- Rushing the emulsification: Blending too quickly when making mayonnaise can prevent it from thickening properly. Take your time and blend slowly to achieve the right consistency.
- Forgetting seasoning adjustments: Tasting your soup before serving is crucial. Adjust salt and other seasonings as needed for balanced flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your French Garlic Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing French Garlic Soup
- Freeze in portioned containers or freezer bags for easier use later.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating French Garlic Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the soup in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid boiling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making French Garlic Soup.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock?
Yes, using vegetable broth is an excellent option if you want a vegetarian version of this soup.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe serves about 8 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prep.
What can I serve with French Garlic Soup?
Serve with crusty bread or croutons, and consider pairing it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I customize my French Garlic Soup?
Absolutely! You can add additional herbs or spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to enhance its flavor further.
Is French Garlic Soup healthy?
Yes, it’s relatively low in calories and packed with flavor without heavy cream, making it a nutritious choice!
Final Thoughts
French Garlic Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can adjust ingredients easily and make it your own by adding various herbs or toppings. Warm up with this comforting dish that delivers both flavor and satisfaction!
French Garlic Soup
Warm up with this velvety French Garlic Soup, a comforting delight from the South of France. With its rich garlic flavor and creamy texture, this dish is perfect for cozy evenings or special gatherings. Enhanced by homemade mayonnaise, it offers a unique twist that will impress your family and friends alike. Whether paired with crusty bread or served as a standalone dish, this soup is both nutritious and versatile, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 8 people
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 64 ounces chicken stock
- Small bunch fresh sage
- 1 large head of garlic
- 2/3 cup olive oil (or preferred vegetable oil)
- 1 large egg (separated)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Heat chicken stock and sage in a large pot until simmering.
- Prepare garlic by removing skins and halving cloves; discard shoots.
- Boil garlic cloves for 3-4 minutes, then drain.
- Mash garlic with a fork and add to the simmering stock.
- Combine egg yolk, mustard, salt, and oil in a jar; blend to emulsify for mayonnaise.
- Temper mayonnaise with hot soup; stir into the pot while whisking.
- Reheat gently without boiling before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
