James Beard's Garlic Soup Recipe

This hearty garlic soup is the perfect antidote to the winter blues (and flu season). And fret not about the amount of garlic: as long as your dining companion shares the soup, you can cozy up without fear.

Beard himself warned against less potent stand-ins: "The robust and beautiful flavor of this soup is something that could never, ever be achieved with garlic powder. So leave those substitutes on the shelf, look at them once in a while with distaste — and then forget about them."

James Beard's Garlic Soup Recipe
5 from 1 ratings
Fret not about the amount of garlic here: As long as your dining companion shares the soup, you can cozy up without fear.
Prep Time
15
minutes
Cook Time
25
minutes
Servings
6
Servings
garlic soup in bowl
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons chicken fat
  • 30 garlic cloves
  • 6-8 cups chicken stock
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4-5 egg yolks
  • 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6-8 slices country bread, toasted
  • Fresh nutmeg (optional)
Directions
  1. Melt the chicken fat in a large, heavy saucepan over low heat.
  2. Add the garlic and shake over gentle heat so the garlic cooks without browning. It should just melt in the fat; letting it brown is fatal as the flavor turns bitter.
  3. Add the chicken stock and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Grate a tiny bit of nutmeg in, if desired.
  4. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, and then force through a sieve or food mill to purée the garlic.
  5. Reheat the soup gently.
  6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and stir in the olive oil. Stir some of the hot soup into the egg yolk mixture to temper them, and then stir it very gently into the soup and heat until warmed through. Do not under any circumstances let the soup come to a boil, or the yolks will curdle.
  7. Serve in large soup plates, ladling the soup over pieces of crisp toast, one to a plate.
Nutrition
Calories per Serving 378
Total Fat 21.9 g
Saturated Fat 5.1 g
Trans Fat 0.0 g
Cholesterol 122.9 mg
Total Carbohydrates 32.0 g
Dietary Fiber 1.9 g
Total Sugars 6.6 g
Sodium 823.8 mg
Protein 13.3 g
The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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