She Strengthens

Soothing Garlic Soup: A French Remedy for Cold Winter Days

As the temperatures drop, our bodies crave comfort and warmth. In the spirit of French cuisine, we present a recipe that will transport you to the sun-kissed hills of Provence. This garlic soup, inspired by Dorie Greenspan’s cookbook “Around My French Table,” is a staple in French households, particularly during the cold winter months.

A Cure-All for the Ages

This humble soup has been passed down through generations, touted as a remedy for the common cold and even the occasional hangover. The secret lies in its simplicity, allowing the flavors of garlic, herbs, and eggs to meld together in perfect harmony.

Gather Your Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 10 medium garlic cloves, peeled
• 6 fresh sage leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 large thyme sprigs
• 6 cups water or 3 cups water and 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for serving

Preparing the Garlic

Begin by halving each garlic clove and removing the germ in the center. Discard the germ and thinly slice the garlic, placing it in a large saucepan.

The Aromatic Herb Bundle

Tie the sage, bay leaves, and thyme together with butcher’s twine or bundle them in a piece of cheesecloth tied closed with twine. Add the herb bundle to the saucepan, along with the water (or water and broth) and measured salt.

Simmering the Broth

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 30 minutes. Discard the herb bundle, keeping the broth at a simmer.

The Rich and Creamy Finish

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and Parmesan cheese. Add a few ladlefuls of the warm broth to the cheese mixture, whisking until smooth. Gradually pour the cheese-soup mixture into the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent the yolks from curdling. Remove the pot from the heat and whisk for an additional minute.

Seasoning and Serving

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil over each portion. Bon appétit!