Warm up with this delicious and aromatic Country French Garlic Soup. Packed with rich garlic flavor, tender potatoes, and a creamy finish (optional), this comforting soup is perfect for cozy evenings or a rustic starter for any meal. Serve it with crusty French bread for an authentic touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like garlic, onion, potatoes, and broth.
- Comforting and Hearty: Perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something soothing and warm.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to be dairy-free, vegan, or gluten-free.
- Elegant and Flavorful: French-inspired flavors elevate this soup, making it both rustic and sophisticated.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large potato, peeled and diced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup water
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Crusty French bread, sliced and toasted (for serving)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. - Add the Potatoes
Stir in the diced potato and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors. - Simmer the Soup
Add the chicken or vegetable broth, water, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. - Blend the Soup
Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to purée the soup until smooth and creamy. For a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup and leave some potato pieces intact. - Add Cream (Optional)
If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. - Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with toasted French bread for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth and skip the cream, or substitute with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese on top before serving.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with rosemary, sage, or even a touch of tarragon for a different herbal profile.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap the potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
FAQs
Can I use roasted garlic instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, roasted garlic adds a deeper, sweeter flavor to the soup. Use about 10 roasted garlic cloves for an extra layer of richness.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well (without the cream). Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Add the cream after reheating.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?
If your soup thickens too much, add a bit more broth or water while reheating to reach your desired consistency.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
What type of bread pairs best with this soup?
Crusty French baguettes, sourdough, or garlic bread are excellent choices for dipping.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The soup itself is gluten-free. Just ensure that the bread served alongside is gluten-free if needed.
How can I make the soup more filling?
Add protein like shredded chicken, crispy bacon, or chickpeas to make it heartier.
What’s the best way to blend the soup?
An immersion blender is the easiest option, but a regular blender works just as well. Blend in batches and be cautious with hot liquids.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, carrots, celery, or leeks would make great additions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
This Country French Garlic Soup is a warm and comforting dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. Its rich flavors, smooth texture, and simple ingredients make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Pair it with toasted French bread for the ultimate cozy meal. Enjoy this timeless classic with your loved ones!
Print
Country French Garlic Soup
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Savor the creamy, protein-rich goodness of Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta, a healthy and gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta dishes. This quick and easy recipe combines cottage cheese, marinara sauce, and garlic for a silky, flavorful sauce perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 1 box gluten-free pasta (e.g., lentil or chickpea pasta)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 clove garlic
- Optional toppings: grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare gluten-free pasta according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a blender or food processor, blend cottage cheese, marinara sauce, garlic, and optional spices (like fresh basil, Italian seasoning, salt, or pepper) until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the reserved pasta water into the blended sauce. Pour the sauce over the drained pasta, stirring to coat evenly.
- Serve: Divide into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- For added nutrition, incorporate sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Use regular pasta if gluten sensitivity is not an issue.
- To avoid a grainy sauce, ensure the cottage cheese is thoroughly blended.
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