Description
This French Garlic Soup is a rich and flavorful soup that highlights garlic’s deep, aromatic taste combined with fresh sage and a smooth, creamy texture achieved through a homemade mayonnaise swirl. It’s a comforting and elegant dish perfect for garlic lovers and a delightful starter for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 64 ounces chicken stock
- Fresh sage (about 4-5 sprigs)
- 1 large head of garlic
Mayonnaise Mixture
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 1 large egg, separated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Heat Stock and Sage: Pour the chicken stock into a large pot and add the fresh sage. Heat the stock over medium heat until it gently simmers, allowing the sage’s fragrance to infuse the broth.
- Prepare Garlic: Peel the large head of garlic, removing all skins and the bitter inner shoots from each clove to ensure a smooth flavor.
- Blanch and Mash Garlic: Briefly blanch the peeled garlic cloves in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes to soften their sharpness. Then, mash them thoroughly into a fine paste using a mortar and pestle or garlic press.
- Simmer Garlic in Stock: Add the garlic paste to the simmering chicken stock. Let it cook gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors and soften the garlic further.
- Prepare Mayonnaise Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking to create a smooth, thick mayonnaise.
- Temper the Mayonnaise: To avoid curdling, gradually add a small amount of the hot soup to the mayonnaise mixture, whisking constantly. Once tempered, slowly pour the mixture back into the pot with the soup, stirring to combine.
- Reheat Gently and Serve: Warm the soup gently over low heat, ensuring it does not boil, to maintain the creamy texture. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with a fresh sage leaf.
Notes
- Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the mayonnaise mixture to prevent curdling.
- Removing the inner shoots of garlic is essential to avoid bitterness and improve digestibility.
- Use fresh, high-quality chicken stock for the best flavor.
- This soup can be made vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken stock.
- For a richer texture, you can add a splash of cream before serving.
