Name: Rustic Country French Garlic Soup: A Creamy, Immune-Boosting Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 10 garlic cloves (about 50 g), whole and unpeeled; 1 large yellow onion (about 150 g), chopped; 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable or chicken broth; 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil; 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; 1 small baguette or 4 slices crusty bread (about 150 g), for serving; Fresh herbs or croutons, for garnish

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Introduction

This Rustic Country French Garlic Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out. Packed with roasted garlic and fragrant herbs, it’s perfect for boosting your immune system while satisfying your hunger. Simple to make, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping.

A white bowl filled with creamy, thick soup that has a pale yellow color, topped with several golden-brown seared scallops scattered evenly on the surface. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled across the soup along with black pepper specks, adding contrast. At the edge of the bowl, there is a piece of crusty bread leaning inside. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10 garlic cloves (about 50 g), whole and unpeeled
1 large yellow onion (about 150 g), chopped
4 cups (960 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
1 small baguette or 4 slices crusty bread (about 150 g), for serving
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs or croutons, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the tops off the garlic bulbs, drizzle with olive oil, wrap them in foil, and roast for 30 minutes until the garlic is golden and soft.
Step 2: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 5–7 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into the pot. Add the broth and thyme sprigs, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Step 5: Remove the thyme sprigs, then puree the soup using an immersion blender or blend in batches in a regular blender until smooth.
Step 6: Return the soup to the pot, stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs or croutons, and serve with warm slices of baguette on the side.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try using chicken broth and adding a splash of dry white wine before simmering.
If you prefer a chunkier texture, puree only half the soup and stir in the rest for added body.
Top with grated Parmesan cheese or crispy bacon bits for an extra savory touch.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy soup that has a smooth, light beige base. On top, there are about nine golden-brown seared scallops that show a crispy texture with small black pepper spots. Green herb leaves, possibly thyme, are scattered over the surface, adding bright green color. In the background, a piece of crusty bread is resting on the edge of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh roasted garlic provides a mellow, sweet flavor that garlic powder can’t replicate fully. For best results, use fresh garlic, but in a pinch, a small amount of garlic powder can be added to taste.

Is this soup suitable for vegans?

To make this soup vegan, use vegetable broth and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain richness.