Country French Garlic Soup

This comforting, rustic soup is perfect for chilly days. Made with tender garlic, aromatic herbs, and a rich broth, it’s enhanced with egg yolks and Parmesan for creaminess.

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Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 whole heads of garlic, peeled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Thickening:

• 4 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Serving:

• Crusty bread
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Construction

1. Prepare the Base:
   • Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
2. Cook the Garlic:
   • Add the peeled garlic cloves to the pot and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Simmer the Soup:
   • Pour in the broth and add the thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the garlic to become soft and fragrant.
4. Season and Blend:
   • Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
   • Use an immersion blender to puree the soup for a smoother texture, or leave it chunky for a rustic feel.
5. Thicken the Soup:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and Parmesan cheese.
   • Gradually temper the egg mixture by whisking in a ladle of hot soup.
   • Slowly whisk the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring continuously to avoid curdling.
   • Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
6. Serve:
   • Ladle the hot soup into bowls, serve with crusty bread, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
2. Creamy Version: Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream after tempering the eggs for an extra velvety texture.
3. Herbal Twist: Add a sprig of rosemary or sage to the simmering soup for a different flavor profile.
4. Cheese Substitutes: Swap Parmesan with Gruyère or Pecorino Romano for a deeper, nutty flavor.
5. Add Protein: Include shredded cooked chicken or poached eggs for a heartier meal.

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Tips

• Peeling Garlic: To peel garlic easily, smash the cloves lightly with the flat side of a knife.
• Tempering Eggs: Whisking hot soup into the egg mixture slowly prevents the eggs from scrambling.
• Serving: Serve with toasted baguette slices brushed with olive oil or topped with melted cheese.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent curdling.
• Blending: For a silky texture, strain the soup after blending to remove any garlic bits.

Enjoy your comforting Country French Garlic Soup!