Country French Garlic Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 whole heads of garlic, peeled (about 20-24 cloves)
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Crusty bread, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

1. Heat the Pot: In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
2. Cook the Onion: Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become soft and translucent.
3. Add the Garlic: Add the peeled garlic cloves to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. This will release the garlic’s natural sweetness and aroma.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Herbs

1. Pour in the Broth: Carefully pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring that all the onions and garlic are fully covered.
2. Add the Herbs: Add the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves to the pot for added flavor.
3. Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This will allow the garlic to soften and infuse the broth.

Step 3: Remove Herbs and Season

1. Remove Herbs: After the soup has simmered for 30 minutes, use a spoon to remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the pot.
2. Season: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolks

1. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour a ladle of hot soup into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. This step prevents the eggs from curdling when added to the hot soup.
3. Combine: Gradually whisk the tempered egg mixture back into the soup pot, stirring well to ensure it is fully incorporated.

Step 5: Thicken the Soup

1. Simmer Again: Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly. This will allow the soup to thicken slightly to a creamy consistency.

Step 6: Serve

1. Ladle into Bowls: Serve the hot soup in individual bowls.
2. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for added color and flavor.
3. Serve with Bread: Enjoy the soup with slices of crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Serving

This soup serves approximately 4-6 people as a main course or 8 as an appetizer. With its rich, creamy texture and garlicky depth, this Country French Garlic Soup makes a comforting, hearty starter or can be enjoyed as a satisfying main meal alongside a salad.