This Rustic Country French Garlic Soup is a testament to the magic of French country cooking, where a few humble ingredients are transformed into something truly spectacular. This soup, known in Provence as Aïgo Boulido, features a whole head of garlic, simmered until soft and mellow, creating a broth that is surprisingly rich, savory, and deeply comforting. Finished with a silky egg yolk liaison, it’s a restorative and elegant soup that feels both timeless and nourishing.
Don’t be intimidated by the amount of garlic; the long, gentle simmer tames its pungent bite into a sweet, nutty, and complex flavor. This is the perfect simple soup for a chilly evening, when you’re feeling under the weather, or whenever you crave a taste of simple, soulful French cuisine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Frugal: Made with just a handful of pantry staples like garlic, broth, and eggs.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Slow-simmered garlic creates a surprisingly deep and savory broth.
- Quick & Comforting: A soul-warming soup that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
- Elegant & Unique: A classic French recipe that’s sure to impress with its silky texture and rich taste.
Ingredients
- 1 whole head Garlic (about 10-12 cloves), cloves separated and peeled
- 6 cups Water or high-quality Vegetable/Chicken Broth
- 2 Egg Yolks
- 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
- For Serving: 4 thick slices of crusty baguette, 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Simmer the Aromatics: In a medium pot or saucepan, combine the peeled garlic cloves, water or broth, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer.
- Infuse the Broth: Let the soup simmer gently, partially covered, for 20-25 minutes, until the garlic cloves are completely soft and tender.
- Strain and Mash: Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, pressing down firmly on the soft garlic cloves with the back of a spoon. Mash the garlic through the sieve to extract all of their creamy pulp and flavor into the broth.
- Prepare the Liaison: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are pale. Very slowly, while whisking constantly, drizzle in the 3 tablespoons of olive oil to create an emulsion.
- Temper the Eggs: While still whisking, use a ladle to slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot garlic broth into the egg yolk mixture, a little at a time. This tempering step is crucial to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Finish the Soup: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot of broth, whisking gently. Heat the soup over low heat for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Do not let it boil. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Place a slice of toasted baguette in the bottom of each serving bowl. Top with a generous pile of Gruyère cheese. Ladle the hot garlic soup over the top, allowing the cheese to melt. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Pro Tip: The secret to the soup’s silky texture is not allowing it to boil after the egg yolks have been added. Keep the heat very low to gently thicken the soup without curdling the eggs.
- Richer Broth: Using a good quality chicken or vegetable broth instead of water will create a more savory, complex soup.
- Add a Potato: For a slightly thicker and heartier soup, you can peel and dice one small potato and simmer it along with the garlic.
- Herb Variations: A sprig of fresh sage or rosemary can be added to the broth along with the thyme for a different aromatic profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Will this soup taste too strongly of garlic?
- No. Simmering the garlic for an extended period mellows its flavor significantly, making it sweet, nutty, and savory rather than sharp and pungent.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Because it’s thickened with egg yolks, this soup is best enjoyed fresh. If you must make it ahead, reheat it very gently over low heat, never letting it come to a simmer.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently as instructed above.
Serving Suggestions
- The classic way to serve this soup is poured over a “croûte,” which is a slice of crusty bread, often rubbed with garlic and topped with cheese, placed in the bottom of the bowl. The soup wilts the bread slightly, creating a wonderfully rustic and satisfying experience.
Country French Garlic Soup
Experience the comforting warmth of Country French Garlic Soup, a silky blend of sweet onions, creamy potatoes, and fragrant garlic simmered in vegetable broth. A cozy yet elegant dish that brings the charm of a French bistro to your table.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Add diced potatoes and vegetable broth; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth; adjust texture as desired.
- Stir in heavy cream if using. Heat through without boiling. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
✨ For a richer flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the soup.
🥔 Yukon Gold potatoes add creaminess, but russet potatoes can be used as a substitute.
🥄 Adjust thickness by adding extra broth for a lighter soup or blending only half for more texture.
🌿 Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley make excellent garnishes.
🍞 Serve with crusty bread or cheesy toasts for an authentic French touch.
🥔 Yukon Gold potatoes add creaminess, but russet potatoes can be used as a substitute.
🥄 Adjust thickness by adding extra broth for a lighter soup or blending only half for more texture.
🌿 Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley make excellent garnishes.
🍞 Serve with crusty bread or cheesy toasts for an authentic French touch.
