Soup is one of the oldest food combinations there is and all cultures have a history of soup in one form or another.
Garlic soup has a reputation for being able to get rid of colds and flu. In fact some food scientists say that garlic can destroy the cold virus. According to a report from Washington State University garlic is “100 times more effective than two popular antibiotics at fighting disease causing bacteria commonly responsible for foodborne illness”. It can apparently also lower cholesterol – makes you wonder what you’re waiting for doesn’t it. Come on, make a bowl of garlic soup and enjoy eating something that is apparently good for you!
Ingredients for 4 people: authentic French garlic soup
1 litre of chicken stock
8 cloves of garlic, minced (you can add more if you like)
75g fat (duck fat for a gourmet version)
2 eggs, separated
1 bouquet garni (2 sprigs of thyme, parsley and a bay leaf tied with string)
salt & pepper
4 slices of stale bread toasted (optional)/croutons
75g of grated cheese (optional)
Method
1. Boil the chicken stock in a pan.
2. Fry the minced garlic in the fat and add to the boiled stock. Add the bouquet garni and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the bouquet garni. Beat the egg whites lightly and add to the simmering soup, watch carefully for the whites to set and immediately remove the pan from the heat.
Whisk the egg yolks and pour a quarter of the soup on to the yolks, whisking. Pour this into the pan with the rest of the soup.
Season to taste, put a slice of toasted bread in a bowl, pour a serving of soup and top with grated cheese (and/or croutons)…
Bon appétit!
