Description
Rustic French garlic soup whispers comfort from Provence’s countryside kitchens, blending simple ingredients into a soulful bowl of warmth. Mediterranean herbs and creamy texture invite you to savor each spoonful of this hearty, peasant-style classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 64 ounces (1.89 liters) chicken stock
- 1 large head of garlic
- 1 large egg, separated
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 1 small bunch of fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon of mustard
- Pinch of salt
Cooking and Finishing Oil:
- 2/3 cup (158 milliliters) olive oil or another vegetable oil of choice
- Mayonnaise, as desired
Instructions
- Prepare aromatic broth by simmering chicken stock with fresh sage, creating a delicate herbal foundation for the soup.
- Carefully peel garlic cloves, removing the central green sprout to eliminate potential bitterness.
- Blanch garlic cloves in boiling water for 3-4 minutes to soften and reduce sharp intensity, then drain completely.
- Thoroughly mash blanched garlic using a fork until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Incorporate mashed garlic into the simmering stock, allowing flavors to meld for approximately 10 minutes over gentle heat.
- Craft mayonnaise by combining egg yolk, mustard, salt, and olive oil using an immersion blender until achieving a thick, smooth texture.
- Optional step: Strain soup through a fine mesh strainer for an ultra-smooth consistency.
- Carefully temper mayonnaise by gradually adding a ladleful of hot soup, whisking to prevent curdling.
- Gently warm the soup, maintaining a temperature just below boiling point to preserve the delicate emulsion and prevent separation.
Notes
- Blanching transforms harsh garlic flavors into a mellow, soft essence that creates depth without overwhelming the palate.
- Choose fresh, firm garlic heads with tight, unbroken skin to ensure maximum flavor and optimal texture in the soup.
- Use homemade chicken stock if possible, as it provides richer, more complex undertones compared to store-bought versions.
- Remove green sprouts from garlic cloves to eliminate potential bitterness and ensure a smoother, more refined taste profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg