Country French Garlic Soup

—

### Instructions

#### 1. Sauté the Aromatics
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
3. Add the garlic slices and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

#### 2. Add the Vegetables and Broth
1. Stir in the diced potatoes and carrots, and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing them to soak up the flavors.
2. Add the vegetable or chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

#### 3. Add the Bread
1. Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the cubed bread and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the bread to soften and break down.
2. Using a hand blender or an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.

#### 4. Optional Creaminess
1. If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream or milk at this stage and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

#### 5. Serve
– Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with a slice of crusty bread on the side for dipping and extra texture.

—

### Tips for the Best Country French Garlic Soup

1. **Use Fresh Garlic**: The garlic is the star ingredient, so use fresh, high-quality garlic for the best flavor.
2. **Simmer Slowly**: Allowing the soup to simmer slowly helps deepen the flavors, especially the garlic.
3. **Adjust the Texture**: If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as is for more texture.
4. **Add Herbs**: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added at the end for a more aromatic touch.
5. **Make It Vegetarian**: To keep the soup vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

—

### Why This Soup Works

*Country French Garlic Soup* is a true testament to the power of simple ingredients. Garlic, the main flavor component, is mellowed out during cooking and adds a depth of flavor that’s both savory and comforting. The potatoes and carrots provide substance, while the bread thickens the soup and gives it that rustic, hearty feel. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a first course, this soup is the epitome of rustic French comfort food.

—

### Conclusion

*Country French Garlic Soup* is a warm, satisfying dish that captures the essence of French rustic cooking. With its rich garlic flavor, tender vegetables, and thick, creamy texture, this soup is perfect for cozy evenings at home or for impressing guests with something a bit different. Try it today and bring a taste of France right to your kitchen!