Cooking Time: 50 Minutes
Serving: 4
Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
**Introduction**
The Rustic Country French Garlic Soup is a delightful combination of creamy, comforting and aromatic flavors that is sure to warm your heart and soul on a chilly evening. The beautiful mingling of roasted garlic, fresh thyme and heavy cream, served with crusty bread creates a heavenly experience in every spoonful.
**Why make this recipe**
Roasted garlic has a mild sweetness and homely flavors that are quite comforting. This soup is not just delicious but also good for your health due to the goodness of garlic and onion. Additionally, it’s a simple, fast and straightforward recipe and perfect for a midweek meal on a chilly day.
**How to make Country French Garlic Soup**
**Ingredients**
– Whole garlic bulbs: 2
– Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
– Onion (finely chopped): 1
– Vegetable or chicken broth: 4 cups
– Fresh thyme (chopped): 2 tablespoons
– Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
– Salt: to taste
– Heavy cream: 1/2 cup
– Toasted crusty bread slices
**Directions**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the garlic bulbs to expose the cloves slightly. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 minutes until soft.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the remaining olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the roasted garlic cloves into the saucepan and mash them with a spoon. Pour in the broth, add thyme, pepper, and a pinch of salt.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to heat through without boiling.
6. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with toasted crusty bread slices.
**How to serve Country French Garlic Soup**
This soup is best served hot and fresh with toasted crusty bread slices.
**How to store Country French Garlic Soup**
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simmer gently over medium heat.
**Tips to make Country French Garlic Soup**
– For a smoother texture, you can blend the soup after the simmering process and before adding the cream.
– It is recommended to use fresh thyme for a more aromatic flavor.
– If the soup is too thick after reheating, you can add some broth or water to adjust the consistency.
**Variation**
You can also add some grated cheese on top before serving for an extra cheesy flavor.
**FAQs**
1. Can I use pre-minced garlic for this recipe?
– It is recommended to use whole garlic bulbs for a deeper and more aromatic flavor.
2. Can I replace the olive oil with another type of oil?
– Yes, but olive oil has a unique flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in this recipe.
3. Can I use dried thyme if I don’t have fresh thyme?
– Yes, but dried thyme has a stronger flavor, so use only half the amount.
Enjoy this delicious and comforting French garlic soup that is perfect for all the garlic lovers out there! Happy cooking!