Country French Garlic Soup Recipe

Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 tbsp butter
2 whole heads of garlic, peeled (about 20-24 cloves)
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Crusty bread, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat the Pot: In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
Cook the Onion: Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become soft and translucent.
Add the Garlic: Add the peeled garlic cloves to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. This will release the garlic’s natural sweetness and aroma.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Herbs
Pour in the Broth: Carefully pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring that all the onions and garlic are fully covered.
Add the Herbs: Add the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves to the pot for added flavor.
Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This will allow the garlic to soften and infuse the broth.
Step 3: Remove Herbs and Season
Remove Herbs: After the soup has simmered for 30 minutes, use a spoon to remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the pot.
Season: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolks
Prepare Egg Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and grated Parmesan cheese.
Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour a ladle of hot soup into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. This step prevents the eggs from curdling when added to the hot soup.
Combine: Gradually whisk the tempered egg mixture back into the soup pot, stirring well to ensure it is fully incorporated.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup
Simmer Again: Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly. This will allow the soup to thicken slightly to a creamy consistency.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle into Bowls: Serve the hot soup in individual bowls.
Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for added color and flavor.
Serve with Bread: Enjoy the soup with slices of crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Serving
This soup serves approximately 4-6 people as a main course or 8 as an appetizer. With its rich, creamy texture and garlicky depth, this Country French Garlic Soup makes a comforting, hearty starter or can be enjoyed as a satisfying main meal alongside a salad.