If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that perfectly balances robust flavors and creamy texture, this French Garlic Soup Recipe is here to delight your senses. Imagine a golden broth infused with fresh sage and the rich, mellow punch of slow-cooked garlic, finished with a silky homemade mayonnaise that adds a luxurious touch. This soup is both simple and elegant, a dish that brings the charm of rustic French cooking right to your table with every spoonful. Whether served as a starter or a light meal, it offers layers of flavor that’ll have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this French Garlic Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the fragrant sage that adds woodland brightness to the creamy mayonnaise that enriches the broth’s texture. Together, they create a dish that is greater than the sum of its parts.
- 64 ounces chicken stock: Provides a savory, hearty base that supports the garlic’s boldness without overpowering it.
- Fresh sage: Adds a subtle herbaceous earthiness that complements garlic perfectly.
- 1 large head of garlic: The star ingredient, whose layers of sweetness and depth develop as it cooks gently.
- 2/3 cup olive oil: Used to create a smooth mayonnaise that enriches the soup’s mouthfeel.
- 1 large egg, separated: The yolk is key to emulsifying the mayonnaise, while the white is set aside in this recipe.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a little tang and complexity to the mayonnaise, brightening the soup’s flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Balances all the flavors and enhances the natural sweetness of the ingredients.
How to Make French Garlic Soup Recipe
Step 1: Infuse the Stock with Sage
Begin by heating your chicken stock in a large pot along with a few sprigs of fresh sage. Let it simmer gently to allow the herb’s aromatic oils to mingle with the broth. This simple step lays the fragrant foundation for the soup.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic
Peeling the garlic is key—remove each clove’s skin thoroughly, and don’t forget to discard the bitter inner shoots. This ensures the final soup is smooth and free from any sharp bitterness, letting the garlic shine in its purest, sweetest form.
Step 3: Blanch and Mash the Garlic
Briefly blanch the garlic cloves in boiling water to soften them, then mash them into a creamy paste. This step mellows the garlic’s edge and helps it integrate seamlessly into the soup for a velvety texture.
Step 4: Simmer Garlic in the Stock
Add your smashed garlic back into the sage-infused stock and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes. This gentle cooking melds the flavors beautifully, deepening the soup’s character while keeping it delicate and inviting.
Step 5: Make the Mayonnaise
In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and olive oil. Whisk diligently to create a rich, creamy mayonnaise, which will later add a luscious texture to the soup. This homemade mayo is a real showstopper and elevates the dish beyond ordinary garlic soups.
Step 6: Temper and Incorporate the Mayonnaise
Slowly temper the mayonnaise with some hot soup broth to warm it gradually without curdling. Once tempered, whisk the mixture gently but thoroughly back into the pot. This step is crucial to achieving that silky consistency that makes this French Garlic Soup Recipe so irresistibly smooth.
Step 7: Reheat Gently and Serve
Finally, warm the soup gently over low heat, making sure it never boils, to preserve the creamy texture of the mayonnaise. Ladle it into bowls and get ready to enjoy a soulful, garlic-infused bowl of pure comfort goodness.
How to Serve French Garlic Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as finely chopped parsley or additional sage leaves work wonderfully as a garnish, adding a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that complements the soup. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top elevates the richness and adds a glossy finish that’s truly inviting.
Side Dishes
Serving this French Garlic Soup Recipe alongside crusty bread or a warm baguette is a classic choice—perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. A light green salad dressed simply with lemon or vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterbalance that completes the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, consider serving the soup in mini crocks or individual bread bowls for an Instagram-worthy presentation. Topping with toasted garlic croutons or a sprinkle of grated cheese can add delightful texture and flavor while making the experience unique and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
French Garlic Soup Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it chilled and only reheat the portion you plan to serve to maintain the soup’s fresh, vibrant flavor and creamy consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup, but be mindful that the homemade mayonnaise component may change texture when thawed. If planning to freeze, it’s best to hold off on adding the mayo until you reheat the soup, mixing it in fresh for optimal flavor and silky texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often to prevent curdling or separation. Avoid boiling the soup, as high heat can cause the emulsified mayonnaise to break. Slow warming preserves the luxurious creaminess that makes this French Garlic Soup Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken stock with a rich vegetable broth. Just make sure it’s a flavorful broth to keep the soup’s depth intact without meat-based stock.
What can I use instead of fresh sage?
If fresh sage is unavailable, dried sage works in a pinch, but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the soup. Alternatively, fresh thyme can add a lovely herbal note that pairs well with garlic.
Is it safe to use raw egg yolk in the mayonnaise?
Since the egg yolk is tempered with hot soup and the soup is gently reheated afterward, this minimizes the risk, but if you’re concerned, you can use pasteurized eggs or a cooked mayonnaise alternative.
How garlicky is this soup?
The garlic flavor is rich and unmistakable but mellowed by blanching and slow simmering, which brings out its sweet, nutty qualities rather than sharpness. It’s a cozy garlic lover’s dream without overwhelming the palate.
Can I add cream to this soup?
While not traditional, a splash of heavy cream can be stirred in at the end for extra richness, especially if you prefer a creamier final texture. Just adjust seasoning accordingly to balance the flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a soul-satisfying, elegantly simple soup that celebrates garlic in all its glory, this French Garlic Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. Its harmonious blend of fresh sage, golden broth, and creamy mayo creates a cozy bowl of comfort perfect for any season. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and enjoy this wonderful taste of French home cooking—you won’t regret it!
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French Garlic Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
This French Garlic Soup is a rich and comforting dish featuring a fragrant chicken stock infused with fresh sage and a velvety garlic paste. Enhanced by a smooth homemade mayonnaise made with egg yolk and Dijon mustard, this soup offers a creamy texture and a delicate balance of flavors in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 64 ounces chicken stock
- Fresh sage (about 4-5 sprigs)
Garlic Preparation
- 1 large head of garlic
- 2/3 cup olive oil
Mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, separated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Heat the Stock: Pour the chicken stock into a pot and add fresh sage. Heat gently on medium-low heat, allowing it to simmer slowly to infuse the flavors.
- Prepare the Garlic: Peel the large head of garlic carefully, removing the skins and the inner green shoots to reduce bitterness.
- Blanch and Mash Garlic: Briefly blanch the garlic cloves in boiling water to soften them. Then mash the garlic thoroughly into a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle or fork.
- Simmer Garlic in Stock: Add the mashed garlic paste into the simmering stock. Continue to simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Make Mayonnaise: In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, pinch of salt, and olive oil. Whisk vigorously until the mixture emulsifies into a creamy mayonnaise.
- Temper Mayonnaise: Slowly add a ladle of the hot soup to the mayonnaise while whisking constantly to temper the egg yolk mixture. Then gradually whisk the tempered mayonnaise back into the soup pot.
- Reheat Gently and Serve: Warm the soup gently over low heat without allowing it to boil, preserving the emulsified mayonnaise texture. Serve the soup hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Removing the green shoots from garlic reduces bitterness and ensures a smoother flavor.
- Do not boil the soup after adding the mayonnaise, as it may cause the sauce to curdle.
- Use fresh chicken stock for the best depth of flavor.
- Fresh sage can be substituted with dried sage if unavailable, but use about 1 teaspoon dried.
- This soup can be served with crusty bread for a complete meal.
