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A steaming bowl of creamy French Garlic Soup is displayed as the featured image for the recipe.

Best French Garlic Soup

This French Garlic Soup, or Soupe à l'ail, is a classic dish made with simple ingredients that transforms into something truly special. The key is in the technique and quality of your ingredients, resulting in a creamy, flavorful, comforting, and elegant soup perfect for a chilly evening.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Soup
Cuisine: French
Calories: 275
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Garlic: 10-12 cloves, thinly sliced
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped
  • Vegetable Broth: 6 cups
  • Bay Leaf: 1
  • Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
  • Crusty Bread: 4 slices, cubed
  • Sherry Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
  • Salt: To taste
  • Black Pepper: To taste
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: For garnish optional
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish optional
  • Croutons: For garnish optional
  • Poached Egg: For garnish optional

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Ladle
  • Bowls

Method
 

  1. Prep the Garlic: Thinly slice the garlic cloves.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic; reduce heat if necessary.
  3. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth, add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Simmer and Infuse: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  5. Add the Bread: Stir in the cubed crusty bread.
  6. Simmer Again: Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the bread has softened and the soup has thickened slightly.
  7. Remove the Bay Leaf: Before serving, remove the bay leaf.
  8. Season and Acidify: Stir in the sherry vinegar, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  9. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, croutons, or a poached egg.

Notes

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Don't burn the garlic; keep a close eye on it while sautéing. Toast the bread for extra flavor. Adjust consistency with an immersion blender. Soup can be made ahead and reheated. Variations include adding potatoes, heavy cream, red pepper flakes. For vegan skip parmesan or use vegan substitute.