How to Make French Soup with Roasted Garlic
French soup, especially when infused with the rich flavor of roasted garlic, can elevate your culinary experience to new heights. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings or as an elegant starter for any meal. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a delicious French soup with roasted garlic that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
To make a flavorful French soup with roasted garlic, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 bulb of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 6 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, take the bulb of garlic and slice off the top to expose the cloves. Drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and wrap it in aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and roast for about 30-35 minutes, until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Once roasted, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before squeezing the cloves out of their skins.
Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base
In a large pot, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and the carrots and celery are tender.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Potatoes
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the diced potatoes and dried thyme. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Incorporate the Roasted Garlic
Once the potatoes are cooked, add the roasted garlic to the pot. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Just be careful as the soup will be hot!
Step 5: Season and Serve
After blending, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes to let the flavors meld. Once ready, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This French soup with roasted garlic pairs beautifully with crusty baguette or a light salad. For an extra touch, consider drizzling a bit of truffle oil or topping it with freshly grated cheese.
Conclusion
Making French soup with roasted garlic is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. The deep, savory flavors of roasted garlic combined with fresh vegetables create a warming and satisfying dish. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every spoonful!