Garlic Southern Soup

Featured in Warm, Comforting Soups & Stews.

This fresh Southern dish pairs garlic and sage in a silky chicken broth, thickened expertly with mayo. Ready to serve in 25 minutes flat.
Emily Watson
Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 02:31:02 GMT
A creamy soup in a bowl with herb garnish and toasted bread on the side, surrounded by fresh garlic and extra bread slices. Pin it
A creamy soup in a bowl with herb garnish and toasted bread on the side, surrounded by fresh garlic and extra bread slices. | thefamilycooks.com

I've got an amazing dish to talk about from the small village of Lautrec! This creamy French garlic velouté holds a special place in my heart with its gentle flavors and smooth consistency. What makes it stand out is the clever mayo trick that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. Whenever I cook this up, it feels like I'm sitting in a little French café!

Why You'll Love Garlic Soup

This soup isn't just tasty—it's packed with goodness! The garlic brings awesome flavor while boosting your health too, making it perfect when you're feeling sick or just want something cozy. I always turn to this recipe on cold nights when I need something that won't weigh me down but still hits the spot.

Soup Essentials

  • Garlic: Go for juicy, large bulbs as they'll give you that wonderful mild taste.
  • Chicken Stock: This forms your soup's backbone—try making your own for best results!
  • Fresh Sage: Brings fantastic scent to your broth.
  • Egg: The secret behind that velvety finish.
  • Olive Oil: Don't skimp here—quality extra virgin really counts.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to highlight everything else.

Creating Culinary Wonder

Handling Your Garlic
The way you treat your garlic matters! We'll carefully take out those inner sprouts since they can add unwanted bitterness.
Forming Your Foundation
Smashing those soft cloves creates something truly precious!
Enhancing Your Stock
You can actually see the garlic working its way into the broth—it's amazing to watch.
Finishing With Flair
Using mayo this way is what gives our soup that authentic French touch.

Personal Touches

You can drop in a poached egg or shredded chicken if you want more protein. Fresh spinach works great when added at the last minute! And when you feel like treating yourself, a bit of grated Gruyère on top is totally worth it!

Foolproof Tips

Getting that smooth texture comes down to patience! Don't hurry when cooking the garlic and always add your mayo carefully away from heat. These small steps make all the difference between good and fantastic soup.

Storage Ideas

You can store this soup in your fridge for a couple days no problem. Just heat it slowly when you want more. I can't get enough of dunking crusty bread pieces into it—they go together so well!

A black bowl of creamy soup garnished with olive oil, spices, and a sprig of sage, accompanied by pieces of bread on a wooden serving board. Pin it
A black bowl of creamy soup garnished with olive oil, spices, and a sprig of sage, accompanied by pieces of bread on a wooden serving board. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why take out the garlic sprout inside?
The small sprout can bring bitterness to the dish, especially when using large amounts. Removing it lets the soup taste more balanced.
→ Why cook the garlic separately first?
Boiling garlic beforehand softens it and tones down its strong bite for a gentler flavor in the soup.
→ Why is tempering the mayo important?
Mixing some warm soup into the mayo first ensures it won’t curdle when added back into the larger pot.
→ Why should the soup not boil after adding mayo?
Boiling could break the mayo, leaving it clumpy instead of smooth and creamy.
→ Do you really need to strain it?
Straining is optional but helps make the texture super silky and luxurious if you're after the traditional style.

Conclusion

A silky garlic-based soup packed with Southern charm. Savory chicken broth and fresh herbs come to life with a unique mayo-thickened twist, creating rich textures and complex flavors.

Garlic Southern Soup

A smooth Southern-style dish blending garlic and herbs in chicken broth, thickened with mayo for a creamy finish.

Prep Time
~
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 8 Servings (8 bowls)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 ⅔ cup olive oil.
02 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
03 Pinch of salt.
04 1 large egg, separated.
05 1 big head of garlic.
06 A small bunch of fresh sage leaves.
07 64 ounces of chicken broth.

Instructions

Step 01

While working on the garlic, heat up the sage and chicken broth in a stock pot.

Step 02

After peeling the garlic, split the cloves and take out the cores. Boil briefly, then drain and mash until smooth.

Step 03

Stir the mashed garlic into the stock, then let it simmer softly for 10 minutes.

Step 04

Using a hand blender, mix the oil, yolk, mustard, and salt until creamy. Add the white if it needs to thicken more.

Step 05

For a smoother soup, you can strain it. Slowly stir some hot soup into the mayo to warm it, then mix into the pot. Heat up but avoid boiling.

Notes

  1. Don't let it boil once the mayonnaise is added.
  2. Straining is optional if you want smoother soup.
  3. Inspired by the French Cooking Academy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stock pot or large Dutch oven.
  • Hand blender or immersion blender.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs due to mayonnaise.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 255
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • Protein: 7 g