As the chill of winter settles in, I find myself yearning for something warm and comforting—enter the velvety delight of Country French Garlic Soup. This gem hails from the picturesque Lautrec region of southern France, where rustic flavors harmoniously blend into a bowl of pure nourishment. What makes this soup stand out? A surprising twist—mayonnaise! It creates a luscious, creamy texture that’s both refreshing and satisfying. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a healthy and fulfilling meal that’s sure to impress family and friends. This garlic-rich soup isn’t just a quick fix for cold days; it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients and simple pleasures. Are you ready to warm your soul with this unique culinary creation? Let’s dive in!
Why is Garlic Soup So Special?
Simplicity at its finest: With just a handful of ingredients, making Country French Garlic Soup is incredibly straightforward and requires minimal kitchen skills.
Unexpected twist: The addition of mayonnaise delivers a rich, creamy texture that elevates the flavor profile beyond ordinary soups.
Health benefits: Packed with garlic, this soup not only warms you up but also delivers immune-boosting properties, making it a great choice for the chilly season.
Versatile and customizable: Consider adding a poached egg or some leafy greens for an extra nutritional boost. This soup adapts to your cravings!
Quick and nourishing: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet healthy. Serve it alongside crusty bread or croutons for a delightful meal. Don’t forget to check out my favorites like Roasted Garlic Soup for even more garlic goodness!
Country French Garlic Soup Ingredients
For the Soup
• 64 ounces chicken stock – This forms the flavorful base of your soup.
• Small bunch fresh sage – Adds a lovely herbal aroma; fresh thyme is a great substitution.
• 1 large head of garlic – The star of the show; ensure it’s softened and mashed for the best flavor impact.
For the Mayonnaise
• 2/3 cup olive oil (or other vegetable oil) – This gives the mayonnaise its rich texture and complements the soup beautifully.
• 1 large egg (separated) – The yolk helps emulsify your mayonnaise while the egg white can add creaminess.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard – A must for elevating the flavor of the mayonnaise.
• Pinch salt – Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the soup and mayonnaise.
Feel the warmth of Country French Garlic Soup as you gather these delightful ingredients to create a nourishing bowl of comfort.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Country French Garlic Soup
Step 1: Heat the Base
In a Dutch oven, pour in 64 ounces of chicken stock and add a small bunch of fresh sage. Heat over medium heat until the mixture just begins to simmer, letting the sage infuse its aromatic flavor into the broth. This should take about 5 minutes; you’ll know it’s ready when you see gentle bubbles starting to form.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic
While the stock simmers, take your large head of garlic, peel the cloves, and halve them. Remove the green shoots from the center, then add the garlic to a small pot of boiling water. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes until the cloves are tender, turning slightly golden. Drain and mash the garlic with a fork until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once your garlic is mashed, stir it into the simmering chicken stock. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. As you do this, you’ll start to smell the comforting aroma of garlic and sage coming together, signaling it’s time for the next step.
Step 4: Make the Mayonnaise
In a jar, combine the egg yolk with 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard and a pinch of salt. Add 2/3 cup of olive oil and use an immersion blender to blend these ingredients until creamy and smooth. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can incorporate the egg white at this stage. This creamy mayonnaise will bring richness to your Country French Garlic Soup.
Step 5: Optional Strain
For a velvety texture, you may choose to strain the soup at this point. Use a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids, ensuring your soup is smooth and creamy. This step isn’t mandatory but highly recommended for an elegant finish to your garlic soup.
Step 6: Temper and Combine
To integrate the mayonnaise without curdling, slowly temper it by adding a few spoonfuls of the hot soup into the mayonnaise, whisking continuously. Once mixed, pour this creamy blend back into the Dutch oven, stirring gently over low heat until well combined. Avoid boiling to maintain that silky texture in your Country French Garlic Soup.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the finished soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish each bowl with croutons, a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, and freshly chopped parsley for an added pop of flavor and color. This delightful presentation enhances the comforting experience of your delicious Country French Garlic Soup.
Country French Garlic Soup Pairings
Looking for the perfect companions to elevate your Country French Garlic Soup experience? Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your meal.
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Crusty Bread:
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Rustic baguette or sourdough slices pair beautifully. Toast them lightly for added crunch.
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Use them to soak up that delicious garlic broth; every bite will be heavenly!
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Crispy Croutons:
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Add homemade or store-bought croutons for a delightful texture contrast.
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They bring a satisfying crunch that complements the velvety smoothness of the soup.
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Simple Green Salad:
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A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
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You can toss in some roasted veggies for added flavor and nutrition.
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Cheese Plate:
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Enjoy a selection of cheeses like Gruyère or Brie for a lovely lunch or dinner spread.
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Pair it with some fruit preserves for sweet contrast and extra indulgence.
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Vegetable Sides:
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Steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables enhance the meal’s heartiness.
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Try sautéed greens or honey-glazed carrots for a touch of sweetness.
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Wine Pairing:
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A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio, makes an exciting pairing.
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These wines complement the garlic without overpowering its delicate flavor.
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Impressive Main Dishes:
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If you’re looking to make this soup a starter for a larger meal, consider serving it alongside Garlic Butter Chicken for a flavor-packed duo.
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A succulent main like Garlic Rosemary Beef will truly indulge your palate.
Let your culinary creativity shine as you pair these delightful options with your creamy Country French Garlic Soup. Embrace the cozy warmth of each bite, enhancing not only flavor but also the love shared at your table!
How to Store and Freeze Country French Garlic Soup
Fridge: Store leftover Country French Garlic Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the creamy texture.
Freezer: Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to prevent curdling. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken stock or water if the soup thickens too much.
Portioning: Consider freezing soup in single serving sizes for convenient meals. Just thaw and heat whenever you need a comforting bowl!
Make Ahead Options
These Country French Garlic Soup preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the garlic and mayo (separate) up to 24 hours in advance. First, boil the garlic cloves until tender, mash them, and refrigerate in an airtight container to maintain their flavor. Next, make the mayonnaise, using an immersion blender, and store it in the fridge; this ensures it stays creamy and ready to use. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, simply heat the chicken stock with the sage, stir in the prepped garlic, and temper the mayo before adding it to the soup. This way, you’ll have a comforting bowl of Country French Garlic Soup in no time, just as delicious as if you had made it fresh!
What to Serve with Country French Garlic Soup
Warm up your dinner table with delightful pairings that elevate this creamy, garlicky soup into a full-fledged meal.
- Crusty French Bread: Perfect for dipping, the robust texture complements the soup’s creamy body. Nothing beats the contrast of crispy crust against velvety soup.
- Garden Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens and citrus dressing balances the richness of the soup beautifully.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The gooey, warm cheese melds with the savory garlic flavor, creating a comforting classic duo that never fails!
- Herb-Infused Oil: Drizzling your soup with herb-infused olive oil adds a fragrant finish and an extra layer of flavor, making each spoonful an experience to savor.
- Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach with garlic enhances the overall garlic flavor while providing a nutritious element that brightens your meal.
- Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc: A glass of chilled white wine complements the soup’s flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Garlic Croutons: Crispy croutons not only add delightful crunch but also a burst of garlic flavor, making them an ideal topping for your soup.
- Fruit Tart: For dessert, a light and sweet fruit tart can cleanse the palate, leaving a refreshing end to your comforting meal.
Pair these delightful options alongside your Country French Garlic Soup for a nourishing and wholesome experience!
Expert Tips for Country French Garlic Soup
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Prevent Curdling: Avoid boiling the soup after adding mayonnaise. This can curdle it, so gently heat it instead.
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Choose Garlic Wisely: Garlic flavor can vary; larger cloves tend to be milder. Opt for the right size to achieve your desired intensity.
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Straining Optional: Straining the soup leads to a smoother texture, but it’s not necessary. Try both methods to find your preference!
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Fresh Herbs: Using fresh sage brings a lovely aroma. If unavailable, fresh thyme works well as an alternative without compromising flavor.
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Customize: Feel free to get creative by adding protein or veggies! A poached egg or leafy greens can enhance the health benefits of your Country French Garlic Soup.
Country French Garlic Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best garlic for this soup?
Absolutely! When selecting garlic, opt for bulbs that are firm and without dark spots or sprouts. The cloves should be plump and not shriveled, as larger cloves tend to be milder in flavor, perfect for this velvet-rich Country French Garlic Soup.
What’s the best way to store leftover Country French Garlic Soup?
You can store your leftover Country French Garlic Soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To reheat gently and maintain its creamy texture, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
Can I freeze Country French Garlic Soup?
Definitely! Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container as the soup may expand. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, and reheat slowly over low heat to avoid curdling.
What if my soup ends up too thick after freezing?
Very! If your soup thickens too much after freezing, just stir in a splash of chicken stock or water while reheating it. This will return it to a lovely creamy consistency, letting those garlic flavors shine through!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Of course! This recipe contains eggs and mayonnaise, which can be allergens for some individuals. If you’re serving guests, it’s best to check for allergies and consider alternatives, such as using a vegan mayonnaise if needed.
Why did my mayonnaise curdle when I added it to the soup?
Oh no! If your mayonnaise curdles, it may have happened due to sudden temperature changes. Always temper the mayonnaise first by slowly mixing in a bit of the hot soup before combining everything. This gentle process will keep your Country French Garlic Soup velvety and smooth.
Savor the Comfort of Country French Garlic Soup Today
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a Dutch oven, pour in 64 ounces of chicken stock and add a small bunch of fresh sage. Heat over medium heat until the mixture just begins to simmer, letting the sage infuse its aromatic flavor into the broth. This should take about 5 minutes.
- While the stock simmers, take your large head of garlic, peel the cloves, and halve them. Add the garlic to boiling water and boil for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain and mash the garlic until smooth.
- Stir the mashed garlic into the simmering chicken stock and allow the mixture to simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a jar, combine the egg yolk with 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard and a pinch of salt. Add olive oil and use an immersion blender to blend until creamy. Incorporate the egg white for a thicker consistency if desired.
- For a velvety texture, strain the soup using a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids, ensuring it is smooth and creamy.
- Slowly temper the mayonnaise by adding a few spoonfuls of the hot soup into it, whisking continuously. Pour this blend back into the Dutch oven and stir gently over low heat.
- Ladle the finished soup into bowls, garnish with croutons, a drizzle of olive oil, smoked paprika, and freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot.
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