Provencal Garlic Soup Is Out Of This World Good Recipes

PROVENCAL GARLIC SOUP (AIGO BOUIDO)

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients for the stock in a pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
• Reduce the heat and simmer partially covered for 30 minutes. Strain the stock, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
• Discard the solids and return the stock to the pot, keeping it at a simmer.
• Whisk the egg yolks in a small bowl until thick and sticky.
• Adding the olive oil a few drops at a time, continue whisking to form a mayonnaise.
• Immediately before serving, whisk a ladleful of the hot stock into the egg mixture, then whisk the egg mixture into the stock - do not boil.
• Garnish by floating a slice or two of toasted French bread topped with shredded cheese in the soup.

POTATO AND GARLIC SOUP WITH HERBS

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, sauté until golden, about 10 minutes. Add broth, potatoes, garlic and bay leaf; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer until potatoes are very tender, about 20 minutes. Cool slightly. Discard bay leaf. Coarsely puree soup in blender 1 cup at a time, about 20 seconds per batch (do not overprocess). Return soup to same saucepan. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer until heated through. Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with chives and thyme and serve.

PROVENçAL GARLIC AND SAFFRON SOUP

Steps:

• Put the peeled garlic cloves in a small saucepan with cold water to cover. Bring to a boil, drain, then repeat the blanching two times.
• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over moderate heat. Add the leeks and sauté, stirring often, until wilted, about 5 minutes. Add the blanched garlic, potato, stock, saffron, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potato is soft, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
• Transfer the soup to a blender or food processor, in batches if necessary, and puree until smooth. Return the soup to a clean saucepan. Stir in the cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
• For the garlic toasts: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Brush the baguette slices lightly with olive oil on both sides. Bake until golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Rub lightly with the halved garlic.
• For the poached eggs: Bring 3 inches of salted water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Add the vinegar and reduce the heat to maintain the water just below a simmer. Crack 1 egg into a small ramekin or bowl, then gently slip it into the water. With a slotted spoon, gather the white around the yolk. Repeat with the remaining eggs. Cook gently until the whites are firm but the yolks remain soft, about 3 minutes. Transfer the eggs with a slotted spoon to paper towels or a clean dish towel to drain briefly.
• To serve, reheat the soup if necessary. Put a toast in the bottom of each soup bowl. Top with a poached egg, then ladle the soup around it. Garnish with a sprinkle of chives and a dash of piment d'Espelette. Serve immediately.
• Enjoy with Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay or another white wine with lush texture.

PROVENCAL SOUP

Steps:

• In a saucepan, heat oil and melt butter. Brown garlic and onion 4 minutes. Add salt and pepper. Add red bell pepper and zucchini, and let cook 4 minutes. Deglaze with the white wine.
• Add tomatoes and vegetable stock. Heat and let reduce, uncovered, 5 to 7 minutes. Add olives and basil. Stir delicately and heat a little bit more.
• Serve with garlic croutons.