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Rustic French Garlic Soup

Rustic French Garlic Soup

Rustic French Garlic Soup is a hearty and comforting traditional French recipe that highlights the mellow sweetness of garlic combined with fresh herbs and simple wholesome ingredients. This soul-soothing soup offers a rich, rustic charm perfect as a light starter or a warm main dish, effortlessly blending elegance with homestyle goodness.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8–10 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped or crushed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion or 3 shallots, finely chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves or mixed fresh herbs
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

To Serve

  • Crusty bread or French baguette, sliced and toasted
  • Gruyère or Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic and Base Flavors: Peel and finely chop or crush several garlic cloves. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over low heat, then gently sauté the garlic along with the chopped onions or shallots until they are soft and fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic or onions to avoid bitterness.
  2. Build the Soup: Add fresh thyme or your choice of herbs to the pot. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook slowly for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the garlic to soften completely.
  3. Blend for Texture: For a smooth, silky soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer small portions to a blender and puree until desired consistency is reached. If you prefer a more rustic texture with visible garlic pieces, blend partially or skip blending.
  4. Season and Enhance: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If using cheese, stir in grated Gruyère or Parmesan now so it melts and enriches the soup with a luscious, nutty flavor.
  5. Serve with Toasted Bread: Slice the crusty baguette and toast until golden brown. Serve the soup with toasted bread on top or on the side. For extra indulgence, spread garlic butter on the bread before toasting or sprinkle melted cheese and breadcrumbs on top for a crispy garnish.

Notes

  • Cook garlic gently over low heat to ensure natural sweetness and avoid bitterness.
  • Use a high-quality broth as it forms the flavorful foundation of the soup.
  • Adjust garlic quantity according to your taste preference; garlic is the star of this dish.
  • Toast the bread well to provide a satisfying contrast in texture to the creamy soup.
  • Blending slowly and carefully retains the soup’s rustic character.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Gluten Free (omit bread or use gluten-free bread)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 250 ml)
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg

Keywords: French garlic soup, rustic soup, garlic soup recipe, hearty soup, easy starter, French cuisine