Rustic Country French Garlic Soup Recipe
Introduction
Rustic Country French Garlic Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that highlights the rich sweetness of roasted garlic. Creamy, aromatic, and perfect for chilly days, this soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 10 garlic cloves (about 50 g), whole and unpeeled
- 1 large yellow onion (about 150 g), chopped
- 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 small baguette or 4 slices crusty bread (about 150 g), for serving
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs or croutons, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the tops off the garlic bulbs, drizzle with olive oil, wrap them in foil, and roast for 30 minutes until golden and soft.
- Step 2: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into the pot. Add the broth and thyme, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Step 5: Remove the thyme sprigs. Puree the soup using an immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender until smooth.
- Step 6: Return the soup to the pot, stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 7: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or croutons. Serve alongside warm slices of baguette.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and stir the rest in without pureeing.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra depth.
- Substitute fresh thyme with rosemary or sage for a different herbal note.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use vegetable broth to keep it vegan.
Do I have to peel the garlic before roasting?
No, roasting garlic unpeeled helps soften the cloves and brings out their sweetness. You squeeze the softened garlic out of the skins after roasting.
PrintRustic Country French Garlic Soup Recipe
Rustic Country French Garlic Soup is a comforting and aromatic dish featuring roasted garlic, sautéed onions, fresh thyme, and creamy broth. This smooth, velvety soup is perfect served with crusty baguette slices and garnished with fresh herbs or croutons, making it a cozy treat ideal for cool evenings or anytime you crave a flavorful, hearty soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 garlic cloves (about 50 g), whole and unpeeled
- 1 large yellow onion (about 150 g), chopped
- 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 small baguette or 4 slices crusty bread (about 150 g), for serving
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs or croutons, for garnish
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the tops off the garlic bulbs, drizzle them with olive oil, wrap them tightly in foil, and roast for 30 minutes until the garlic becomes golden and soft, releasing its sweet and mellow aroma.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 5–7 minutes until they turn translucent and emit a fragrant sweetness, building the flavor base of the soup.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins directly into the pot. Add the vegetable or chicken broth along with the sprigs of thyme. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine the flavors.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes to deepen and meld the flavors of garlic, onion, and thyme, creating a rich and aromatic broth.
- Blend: Remove the thyme sprigs from the pot. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches into a regular blender and blend until velvety smooth.
- Add Cream & Season: Return the pureed soup to the pot if needed. Stir in the heavy cream to add richness, then season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs or croutons for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately alongside warm slices of baguette or crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious soup.
Notes
- Roasting the garlic softens its sharpness and brings out a sweet flavor profile essential to this soup.
- You can substitute fresh thyme with dried if fresh is unavailable; just reduce the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use vegetable broth.
- The soup can be made a day ahead and reheated gently over low heat.
- Leftover soup freezes well; thaw and reheat gently, stirring often.
Keywords: Garlic soup, French soup, roasted garlic, creamy soup, rustic soup, thyme soup, comfort food
