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Rustic French Garlic Soup

Rustic French Garlic Soup

Rustic French Garlic Soup is a warm, comforting classic that showcases the deep, mellow flavors of slow-roasted garlic, crusty French bread, and savory broth. This soul-soothing soup is perfect for chilly evenings, offering a rich and satisfying experience rooted in traditional French country cooking. It’s simple to make, versatile to customize, and nourishing with its immune-boosting garlic and wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 68 Garlic bulbs (whole, for roasting)
  • 1 loaf crusty French bread (day-old or slightly stale, sliced and toasted)
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place whole garlic bulbs on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 35-40 minutes until golden and soft. Let cool, then squeeze roasted cloves out of their skins.
  2. Prepare the Bread: Slice thick pieces of rustic French bread and lightly toast them until just crisp. Cut into cubes for adding to the soup later.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced onions and sauté gently until translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, without browning.
  4. Add Broth and Garlic: Add the roasted garlic cloves to the pot along with the broth. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on medium-low heat.
  5. Incorporate Bread and Simmer: Add the toasted bread cubes into the simmering broth. Stir and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the bread softens and thickens the soup, creating a rustic texture.
  6. Finish and Serve: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs. Ladle into bowls and optionally garnish with extra herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or grated cheese for added richness.

Notes

  • Roast garlic slowly at low heat to avoid burning and achieve sweet, caramelized cloves.
  • Use day-old or slightly stale crusty bread for optimal soaking without becoming soggy.
  • Simmer gently on medium-low heat to allow flavors to meld thoroughly without boiling aggressively.
  • Adjust soup thickness by varying the amount of bread added; more bread creates a heartier, stew-like consistency.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain their bright, fresh flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rustic French Garlic Soup, garlic soup, roasted garlic soup, French soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy soup