French Garlic Soup

Country French Garlic Soup, or velouté, is a traditional dish from the Lautrec region in southern France. This fragrant and velvety soup is known for its unique use of mayonnaise as a thickener, which imparts a rich and silky texture. Unlike other garlic soups, this version is more brothy and nourishing, making it perfect for warming up during cold weather or when feeling under the weather. The health benefits of garlic have been recognized for centuries, and this soup offers a comforting way to enjoy them.

Ingredients

• 1 head of garlic (about 10–12 cloves)

• 4 cups chicken stock (homemade or store-bought)

• 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves (or substitute with thyme or tarragon)

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt, to taste
  
  

Directions

1. Prepare the Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and slice them in half. Remove any green shoots to reduce bitterness.

2. Cook the Garlic: In a saucepan, add the garlic and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes to mellow the flavor.

3. Mash the Garlic: Drain the garlic and mash it with a fork until smooth.

4. Prepare the Broth: In a separate pot, bring the chicken stock to a simmer. Add the sage leaves and let them infuse for about 10 minutes.

5. Combine Garlic and Broth: Strain the sage from the broth and add the mashed garlic to the pot. Stir to combine.

6. Emulsify the Soup: In a bowl, whisk together the egg and olive oil until smooth. Gradually add a ladle of the hot broth to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the egg. Slowly pour this mixture back into the soup, stirring gently.

7. Season and Serve: Add salt to taste and simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with croutons if desired.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 120 kcal

• Total Fat: 9 g

  • Saturated Fat: 1 g

• Cholesterol: 55 mg

• Sodium: 500 mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 8 g

  • Dietary Fiber: 1 g

  • Sugars: 1 g

• Protein: 4 g