I’ve got to tell you, there are some recipes that just whisper “home” to me, and French Garlic Soup is definitely one of them. I remember the first time I ever tasted it. It was a chilly evening, and a friend, who’d lived in France for a while, made it. The aroma alone was intoxicating! It was so simple, so comforting, and yet so incredibly flavorful. It felt like a warm hug from the inside out. That first spoonful was a revelation. I was hooked and immediately pestered her for the recipe!
Of course, being me, I didn’t write it down properly, and the first few times I tried to recreate it, it was… well, let’s just say the garlic was a little too assertive! We’ve all been there, right? That’s when I learned the importance of gently coaxing the flavor out of the garlic, not blasting it with high heat. It took a few tries, but I finally nailed it. This French Garlic Soup has now become a family staple – especially during the colder months. It’s quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight, and fancy enough to serve to guests.
My kids, who can sometimes be picky eaters, absolutely slurp this stuff down. I think it’s the combination of the creamy broth and the little pieces of bread that they love. And honestly, I love it because it’s packed with nutrients, and it’s so easy to customize with whatever veggies I have on hand. It’s just pure comfort in a bowl.
So, are you ready to make some magic in your kitchen? I promise, even if you’re a beginner cook, this French Garlic Soup recipe is totally achievable. Let’s get started! This version of the French Garlic Soup will become your go-to meal, I know it!
Ingredients for French Garlic Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting French Garlic Soup. Remember, feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking – that’s the beauty of home cooking!
- 8-10 cloves garlic, minced – I always use fresh garlic for my French Garlic Soup; the pre-minced stuff just doesn’t have the same oomph.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Extra virgin is my go-to, but any good quality olive oil will work wonders in this French Garlic Soup.
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth – I prefer chicken broth for its richer flavor, but vegetable broth works just as well for a vegetarian French Garlic Soup option.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a lovely earthy note. Sometimes I’ll even add a pinch of rosemary too.
- 1 bay leaf – Don’t skip this! It adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional) – This adds a touch of richness, but you can totally skip it if you’re watching your waistline, and the French Garlic Soup is still delicious.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Seasoning is key! Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust.
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted – For serving. I like to rub a little garlic on the toasted bread for extra flavor. It’s amazing with this French Garlic Soup.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – For serving. My kids love this!
When making French Garlic Soup, I always try to buy my garlic from the farmer’s market. It seems to have a better flavor and lasts longer. I learned a trick from my mom – she always puts her garlic in a cool, dark place (like a pantry or cupboard) to keep it fresh. She says that it helps keep the garlic from sprouting. Shopping at farmers markets helps me find exactly what I need to make the perfect French Garlic Soup.
For the broth, I usually use store-bought, but sometimes I make my own chicken broth on the weekends. It’s so much more flavorful, and it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken bones. For some interesting variations on using garlic, check out this recipe for garlic parmesan chicken meatloaves!
If you’re short on time, you can buy pre-sliced baguette, but I find that slicing it myself gives me more control over the thickness. Plus, it’s a little cheaper that way.
How to Make French Garlic Soup – Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get cooking! This French Garlic Soup is so simple, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. I always say, the key to a great soup is layering the flavors, so don’t rush any of these steps.
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic (5 minutes)
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté, stirring frequently, until fragrant and softened but not browned. This usually takes about 5 minutes. You want the garlic to be sweet and aromatic, not burnt. I learned the hard way with French Garlic Soup that burnt garlic will make the entire soup taste bitter! While that sautees, I generally chop the bread to make croutons to go with our French Garlic Soup.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings (15 minutes)
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. In my kitchen, French Garlic Soup usually takes about 15 minutes of simmering to reach its full flavor potential. Don’t worry if your French Garlic Soup looks a little thin at this point; it will thicken up later.
Step 3: Blend the Soup (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids! Alternatively, you can let the soup cool slightly and blend it in a regular blender in batches. This step is optional, but I find that blending it gives it a creamier texture, even without the cream.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream (2 minutes)
If using, stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Do not boil! I learned that boiling the cream can cause it to curdle, and nobody wants curdled French Garlic Soup.
Step 5: Adjust Seasonings
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or thyme, depending on your preference. I always add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the French Garlic Soup into bowls and top with toasted baguette slices and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. I love to drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for a finishing touch.
While the French Garlic Soup is cooking, I usually set the table and get the toppings ready. I like to have a variety of toppings, such as croutons, shredded cheese, and fresh herbs. You could also put together these delicious creamy garlic butter lobster tails to have something delicious to start the meal. Your French Garlic Soup should smell like a warm, comforting hug at this point – garlicky, herby, and utterly delicious!
Serving Your French Garlic Soup
Now for the best part – serving this amazing French Garlic Soup! This is where you can really get creative and make it your own.
My family loves our French Garlic Soup when I serve it with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for dipping. The kids also love to crumble crackers on top. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! This French Garlic Soup is perfect for a chilly evening, a sick day, or just when you need a little comfort food. I love to make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.
For presentation, I like to ladle the French Garlic Soup into rustic bowls and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese add a touch of elegance. If you want to get fancy, you can even float a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl.
If you have extra French Garlic Soup, it’s great for lunch the next day. You can also freeze it for later. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing it in an airtight container. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth to thin it out.
I’ve experimented with several seasonal French Garlic Soup variations over the years. In the fall, I like to add roasted butternut squash for a touch of sweetness. In the spring, I add fresh asparagus or peas. I even tried adding a pinch of saffron to my French Garlic Soup after seeing this Saffron-Flavored Garlic Soup with Potatoes: A … – Kahakai Kitchen recipe and it was delicious. My friends always ask for this French Garlic Soup recipe whenever I make it for them. They can’t believe how simple it is!
For the bread, I love to lightly brush slices of baguette with olive oil and a little minced garlic, then toast them in the oven until golden brown and crispy. They’re perfect for dipping in the soup and soaking up all that delicious garlicky goodness. Serve your French Garlic Soup with a smile, because this meal brings people together!
FAQs About French Garlic Soup
Okay, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about my French Garlic Soup recipe. I’ve made this soup countless times, so I’ve definitely learned a thing or two along the way.
- Can I use pre-minced garlic?
While you can use pre-minced garlic, I highly recommend using fresh garlic for the best flavor in your French Garlic Soup. The pre-minced stuff just doesn’t have the same potency and can sometimes have a slightly bitter taste. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes to mince the garlic yourself.
- My soup tastes bitter. What did I do wrong?
The most common reason for bitter French Garlic Soup is that the garlic was burned. Garlic can turn bitter very quickly if it’s cooked over too high of heat. Make sure to sauté the garlic over medium-low heat and stir it frequently to prevent burning.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I often find that French Garlic Soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze French Garlic Soup, but be aware that the texture may change slightly after thawing. The cream, if you use it, may separate a bit. To minimize this, let the soup cool completely before freezing it in an airtight container.
- What can I add to this soup to make it more filling?
If you want to make your French Garlic Soup more filling, you can add cooked pasta, rice, or potatoes. You can also add shredded chicken or white beans for extra protein. You know what I do when my French Garlic Soup needs a little more substance? I toss in some leftover roasted vegetables!
- Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this French Garlic Soup vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. You can also add a swirl of coconut milk for creaminess.
- My soup is too thin. How can I thicken it?
If your French Garlic Soup is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the soup. This will thicken it up in no time. I actually once added a bit of this chicken shawarma creamy garlic sauce when trying to thicken mine and it was surprisingly good!
Final Thoughts on French Garlic Soup
This French Garlic Soup recipe isn’t just a recipe to me; it’s a collection of memories, a symbol of comfort, and a testament to the power of simple ingredients. I hope it becomes the same for you and your family. It is truly an Easy garlic soup to make.
My French Garlic Soup Pro Tips:
- Don’t skimp on the garlic! The more garlic, the more flavor.
- Sauté the garlic over low heat to prevent burning and bitterness.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as you go.
Over the years, I’ve tried several variations of this French Garlic Soup. My husband loves it with a dollop of pesto on top. My kids love it with crumbled bacon. I even tried adding some sherry after finding this recipe for Tourin à l’ail – French Garlic Soup online one time, and it was delicious! I encourage you to experiment and find what works best for you and your family.
Remember, cooking is all about having fun and creating something delicious. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s how we learn! I found out about Aïgo-Boulido – Garlic Soup by Jamie Schler recently and have been wanting to try a new variation of French Garlic Soup.
So, go ahead and give this French Garlic Soup recipe a try. I have a feeling it will become a new favorite in your household too. This Winter soup is perfect for cold and gloomy days, so enjoy making this delicious dish and have a great time. The warmth and comfort of this French Garlic Soup will make your day!
French Garlic Soup
This French Garlic Soup, or Soupe à l’ail, is a comforting and flavorful soup made with simple ingredients. It’s a surprisingly delicious way to enjoy the health benefits of garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 slices baguette, toasted
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese (optional)
- 2 large eggs (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, add the bay leaf and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Optional: If desired, gently crack the eggs into the simmering soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Poach to desired doneness.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl.
- Optional: Sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a splash of dry sherry or white wine to the soup while simmering. You can also add a swirl of crème fraîche before serving.