© Original recipe by The Pantry Post ©
Cozy Creamy French Garlic Soup 🥣🧄✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl of French garlic soup that bursts with rich flavors and velvety texture, you’ve come to the right place. This creamy garlic soup recipe is perfect for chilly evenings when you need a soothing dish to warm your soul. Known as Velouté in classic French cuisine, this soup combines roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and a smooth, silky base, making it an unforgettable starter or main course. Whether you’re a garlic lover or simply want to try a new French garlic soup recipe, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
2. Ingredients for French Garlic Soup
- 2 heads of garlic (about 10-12 cloves), roasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Bread croutons for garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
3. Step-by-Step French Garlic Soup Preparation
Roast the Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the tops off the garlic heads to expose the cloves. Drizzle with a little olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for about 30-35 minutes until golden and fragrant. Once cooled, squeeze out the softened garlic cloves and set aside.
Sauté the Onion
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the Roasted Garlic
Stir in the roasted garlic cloves to the sautéed onions, allowing the flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes.
Simmer the Soup
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the thyme leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to develop the flavors.
Blend for Creaminess
Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and velvety. Be careful when blending hot liquids. Return the soup to the pot if using a blender.
Add Cream and Season
Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm through for another 5 minutes, but do not boil.
4. Storage Tips for French Garlic Soup
You can store any leftover French garlic soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess if needed.
5. Serving Suggestions for Velouté
This French garlic soup recipe pairs beautifully with crusty baguette croutons and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For a more decadent touch, add a drizzle of truffle oil or grated cheese. This soup makes an excellent starter for elegant dinners or a comforting meal on a cold day. For more delicious pasta ideas to complement your meal, check out this one-pan creamy parmesan spinach mushroom pasta.
6. FAQs About French Garlic Soup
Can I make this garlic soup vegan?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use vegetable broth and ensure any toppings are vegan-friendly.
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire process takes approximately 45 minutes, including roasting the garlic, sautéing, simmering, and blending.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika, a bay leaf during simmering, or fresh basil for added flavor layers.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: Perfect for roasting garlic evenly and quickly, making your process more efficient.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: Ensures your pots and pans are durable and heat evenly during sautéing and simmering.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo: Great for preparing crispy croutons to garnish your French garlic soup.
Investing in quality kitchen tools can take your homemade velouté to the next level, making cooking easier and more enjoyable.
8. Delicious Variations and Tips
For a cheesier twist, sprinkle grated Gruyère or Comté cheese on top before serving. You can also add a splash of white wine during simmering for added depth. Whole roasted garlic imparts a sweet, mellow flavor that balances the richness of the cream. Adjust seasonings to suit your taste, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs for color and freshness. This French garlic soup pairs beautifully with a side salad or your favorite crusty bread.
9. Conclusion
Creating a cozy, creamy French garlic soup at home is straightforward and rewarding. With its rich velouté texture and deep garlic flavor, this French garlic soup recipe offers comfort and elegance in every spoonful. Whether serving it as a starter or a main dish, you’ll love how simple ingredients transform into a luxurious delicacy. Try this delicious recipe today and enjoy a bowl of irresistible, velvety garlic goodness!
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Cozy Creamy French Garlic Soup
A smooth, velvety garlic soup infused with herbs, topped with crispy croutons and a drizzle of cream, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
- Crispy croutons for topping
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Puree the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with thyme and crispy croutons.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Adjust garlic to taste for stronger flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg