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Classic French Garlic Soup

Classic French Garlic Soup
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Classic French Garlic Soup is a rich, comforting, and soul-warming dish that celebrates the bold flavor of garlic combined with fresh herbs, creamy broth, and toasted bread topped with melted cheese. Perfect for chilly days and cozy evenings, this elegant yet simple soup delivers hearty satisfaction with every spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8–10 fresh garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 medium onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 4–6 slices crusty bread or baguette, sliced and toasted
  • 3/4 cup grated Gruyere or Parmesan cheese

Optional Additions / Variations

  • Vegetable broth (for vegan version)
  • Nutritional yeast or vegan cheese substitute (for vegan version)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper (for spicy twist)
  • Additional herbs such as rosemary, tarragon, or bay leaves
  • 1/4 cup cream or coconut milk (for extra creamy texture)
  • Reserved roasted garlic cloves for chunky texture

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic and Onions: Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves. Finely chop the onion or shallots to create the flavorful foundation of the soup.
  2. Sauté until Golden: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and chopped onion, stirring frequently. Cook gently until soft and golden, allowing natural sweetness to develop without burning.
  3. Add Herbs and Broth: Add fresh thyme or parsley to the pot, then immediately pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer to blend and deepen the flavors.
  4. Simmer and Meld: Let the soup simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes. This softens the garlic completely and infuses the broth with its rich aroma and taste.
  5. Toast the Bread and Prepare Cheese: While the soup cooks, slice the crusty bread and toast it until golden brown. Grate the Gruyere or Parmesan cheese to have ready for topping.
  6. Assemble and Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, place toasted bread slices on top, and sprinkle generously with grated cheese. Optionally, place bowls under a broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts and browns lightly.

Notes

  • Cook garlic on low heat to avoid bitterness and bring out its natural sweetness.
  • Use fresh garlic and herbs for the most vibrant flavors.
  • Choose quality crusty bread and good melting cheese for optimal texture and taste.
  • Allow the soup to simmer fully to develop deep, rich flavors.
  • Adjust salt near the end of cooking to avoid overpowering the natural garlic taste.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen in portions (add cheese and bread fresh when serving).
  • Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally without boiling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic soup, French soup, classic garlic soup, comforting soup, creamy garlic soup, easy soup recipe, French appetizer, garlic lover recipe

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