French Garlic Soup

Ingredients

• 6 cloves of garlic, minced 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated cheese, for garnish (optional) Grated cheese, for garnish (optional)
• Crusty bread, for serving Crusty bread, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 26g, 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. 2.
   Add the diced potatoes to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and water, then add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. 4.
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. 5.
   Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard.
6. 6.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
7. 7.
   Return the soup to the pot and heat it over low heat until warmed through.
8. 8.
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated cheese, if desired.
9. 9.
   Serve the French Garlic Soup hot with crusty bread on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to dice the potatoes into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Garlic — Use fresh garlic cloves and mince them finely for the best flavor.
• Vegetable broth — Opt for a high-quality vegetable broth to enhance the overall taste of the soup.
• Grated cheese — Choose a flavorful cheese such as Gruyere or Parmesan for a delicious garnish.
• Crusty bread — Serve the soup with crusty bread for dipping and to add a satisfying crunch to each bite.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk before serving.
• Customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as carrots or leeks.
• Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley to add your own twist to the recipe.
• To make the soup more filling, add cooked bacon or croutons as a topping.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving advice

Serve the French Garlic Soup as a comforting appetizer or as a light main course. Pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprinkle of grated cheese and a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley. Serve it in rustic bowls to enhance the French countryside charm.