Country French Garlic Soup: A Rustic and Flavorful Delight
Country French Garlic Soup is a classic dish rooted in the heart of French countryside cuisine. Known as "Soupe à l'Ail," this rustic soup is simple yet deeply flavorful, made with an abundance of garlic, aromatic herbs, and a silky broth. Despite its humble ingredients, the soup offers a luxurious depth of flavor, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening or as an elegant starter for a meal. Here's a step-by-step guide to making this traditional French dish.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or unsalted butter
- 2 heads of garlic (about 20-25 cloves), peeled
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 leek (white and light green parts only), sliced
- 4 cups (1 liter) of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (250ml) of water
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Finish (Optional):
- 1/2 cup (125ml) of heavy cream or crème fraîche
- 1 tablespoon of flour (for thickening, optional)
For Serving:
- Rustic bread, toasted
- Grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)
