French Garlic Soup

Warm up with this velvety French Garlic Soup, a delightful and comforting dish that embodies the essence of Southern France. This soup is rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for any occasion, from a cozy dinner to an elegant gathering. The unique twist of thickening it with homemade mayonnaise makes it exceptionally creamy and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: Made with fresh garlic and sage, this soup delivers a burst of savory taste that warms your soul.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and everyday ingredients, you’ll have this dish ready in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a starter or pair it with crusty bread for a wholesome meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious elements like chicken stock and olive oil, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
• Impressive Presentation: The velvety texture and finishing touches make it visually appealing for guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin cooking, gather the essential tools to streamline your process. Having the right equipment will make preparing your French Garlic Soup easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or stock pot
• Small saucepan
• Fork
• Immersion blender
• Jar for mixing mayonnaise

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven or stock pot: Perfect for simmering the soup evenly, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Immersion blender: A game-changer for achieving that velvety smooth texture without transferring hot soup to another container.
• Small saucepan: Ideal for boiling garlic cloves quickly while keeping them tender.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 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 as these can be bitter. Discard them.

Step 3: Boil the Garlic

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 finely mashed. Add it to the simmering stock and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 5: Make Mayonnaise

In a small jar suitable for an immersion blender, combine egg yolk, mustard, salt, and oil. Blend at the bottom of the jar while gently lifting it slightly until emulsified. If not thick enough, add reserved egg white and blend again.

Step 6: Strain (Optional)

For a velvety smooth texture, strain your soup at this point. If you choose to strain it, return the soup back into the pot.

Step 7: Temper Mayonnaise

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

Step 8: Heat Through

Return your soup to heat on the stove until warmed through but do not let it boil to avoid curdling.

Step 9: Serve

Serve your French Garlic Soup with crusty croutons, an extra drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of 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. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it perfect for various serving styles.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked baguette slices are ideal for dipping into the soup’s velvety texture.
• A rustic sourdough loaf adds an extra crunch and enhances the soup’s flavors.

Topped with Croutons

• Homemade croutons offer a satisfying crunch and can be seasoned with herbs for added flavor.
• Use leftover bread to create croutons; simply toss with olive oil, salt, and spices before baking.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a fresh touch that complements the garlic flavor.
• Adding a few sage leaves can enhance the herbal notes already present in the soup.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and depth to each bowl.
• Experiment with flavored oils, such as garlic-infused or chili oil, for a unique twist.

How to Perfect French Garlic Soup

Making French Garlic Soup is simple, but these tips will help you elevate your dish to perfection.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and high-quality chicken stock for the best flavors.
• Mash Thoroughly: Ensure garlic is mashed well for a smoother texture; lumps can affect the soup’s consistency.
• Control Your Heat: Keep the soup at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling when adding mayonnaise.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning throughout cooking; this ensures balanced flavors in your final dish.

Best Side Dishes for French Garlic Soup

Pairing side dishes with French Garlic Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garden Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing provides a crisp contrast to the soup.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like Brie or goat cheese served with crackers complements the rich flavors of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers add color and nutrition to your table.
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The melty goodness of cheese between toasted bread is perfect for dipping into your soup.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with rice or quinoa mixed with herbs, providing a hearty side that pairs well.
6. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Lightly seasoned rice cooked with herbs adds a fluffy texture that balances the creaminess of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making French Garlic Soup can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Using unpeeled garlic: Always peel the garlic cloves before boiling. Leaving the skins on can result in a bitter taste.
• Skipping the straining step: Straining the soup is optional, but skipping it may lead to a chunky texture. For a velvety soup, consider straining.
• Overheating the soup: Bringing the soup to a boil after adding mayonnaise can curdle it. Gently heat and avoid boiling.
• Ignoring chicken stock quality: Low-quality stock can affect flavor. Use homemade or high-quality store-bought stock for better results.
• Not tempering the mayonnaise: Always temper the mayonnaise with hot soup before mixing it in. This prevents separation and ensures a creamy consistency.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your French Garlic Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing French Garlic Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating French Garlic Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is French Garlic Soup?

French Garlic Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish made primarily from garlic and chicken stock, perfect for warming up on chilly days.

How can I customize my French Garlic Soup?

You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor. Consider garnishing with croutons or fresh parsley for added texture.

Is French Garlic Soup healthy?

Yes! This soup has a balanced nutrient profile and is lower in calories while being rich in flavor thanks to garlic and healthy fats from olive oil.

Can I make this French Garlic Soup vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth and replace egg yolk with a plant-based alternative like aquafaba for creaminess.

Final Thoughts

French Garlic Soup offers warmth and comfort with its rich flavors and silky texture. It’s versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences, making it an excellent addition to any meal. Give it a try, and feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or toppings!