Name: Savory French Garlic Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 64 ounces chicken stock (or vegetable broth); Small bunch fresh sage; 1 large head garlic; 2/3 cup olive oil or vegetable oil; 1 large egg, separated; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Pinch of salt

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This comforting Savory French Garlic Soup is rich, velvety, and deeply infused with garlic and sage. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that brings rustic French charm straight to my kitchen. Blending garlic with creamy emulsified egg and oil creates a unique depth that’s both savory and smooth.

Savory French Garlic Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this soup transforms basic ingredients into a deeply flavorful and nourishing meal. The garlic mellows out beautifully when simmered and mashed, and the addition of fresh sage adds a lovely herbal note. It’s soothing, aromatic, and perfect for cooler days or whenever I need a cozy, satisfying bowl of comfort.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

64 ounces chicken stock
Small bunch fresh sage
1 large head garlic
2/3 cup olive oil or other vegetable oil
1 large egg, separated
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Pinch of salt

Directions

I start by heating the chicken stock with the sage in a large pot until it reaches a gentle simmer.
While that’s heating, I peel the garlic cloves, cut them in half, and remove the green shoots. I then boil the garlic in water for 3–4 minutes and drain it.
I mash the boiled garlic with a fork until it’s smooth and stir it into the simmering stock. I let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
In a small jar, I combine the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, salt, and olive oil. Using an immersion blender, I blend it until it’s emulsified. If the consistency is too thick or I want more body, I add the reserved egg white and blend again.
For a more refined texture, I strain the soup and return it to the pot.
To temper the egg mixture (essentially a homemade mayonnaise), I stir in a ladle of hot soup before adding it back to the pot.
I heat everything gently, making sure not to let it boil, and serve hot.
Garnishing with croutons, a drizzle of olive oil, smoked paprika, or chopped parsley adds an extra flair.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes approximately 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes to cook, for a total time of around 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap chicken stock with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Adding a splash of white wine during the initial simmering step brings a sharper depth.
For a heartier meal, I add shredded chicken or white beans.
I occasionally blend the soup fully for a silky, creamy texture throughout.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I do so gently over low heat to prevent curdling the egg-based emulsion. I avoid boiling it again. This soup doesn’t freeze well due to the egg content, so I enjoy it fresh within a few days.

FAQs

How strong is the garlic flavor in this soup?

The garlic flavor is present but mellow, thanks to the boiling and simmering steps. It’s rich and aromatic, not overpowering.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, I can substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock and use plant-based mayonnaise instead of the egg-based emulsion.

What kind of oil works best?

I prefer using olive oil for its flavor, but a neutral vegetable oil also works if I want a more subtle taste.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I can make it a day ahead. I store it in the fridge and reheat it gently without boiling. The flavors actually deepen overnight.

Do I have to use an immersion blender?

No, I can use a regular blender or whisk the oil and egg mixture by hand, though the immersion blender gives a smoother result.

Conclusion

This Savory French Garlic Soup is everything I love about classic French cooking—simple ingredients, deep flavors, and a comforting experience in every bowl. Whether I enjoy it as a light meal or an elegant starter, it always delivers warmth and richness that’s hard to beat.