Experience the magic of French cuisine with this incredibly aromatic and soul-warming vegan garlic soup! This traditional French recipe transforms humble garlic into a luxuriously creamy, golden soup that’s both elegant and comforting. The secret lies in slow-roasting whole garlic bulbs until they become sweet and mellow, creating a rich, velvety base that’s surprisingly gentle despite using three entire bulbs of garlic. Perfect for cold evenings or when you need something nourishing and deeply satisfying!
Ingredients
- 3 whole garlic bulbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, plus extra for roasting
- 1 tablespoon (8g) all-purpose flour
- 1 liter (4¼ cups) vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 3-4 tablespoons plant-based cream (coconut, oat, or cashew)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
Roast the Garlic:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Cut 2 garlic bulbs in half crosswise. Separate the third bulb into individual cloves and peel them.
- Place halved bulbs and peeled cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Roast for approximately 30 minutes until garlic is golden and soft.
- Remove individual roasted cloves and set aside for garnish. Keep the roasted bulb halves for the soup.
Prepare the Soup Base: 6. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. 7. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. 8. Sprinkle flour over onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. 9. Gradually pour in vegetable broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
Cook the Soup: 10. Squeeze the roasted garlic pulp from the bulb halves directly into the pot. 11. Add bay leaf and fresh thyme sprigs. 12. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. 13. Remove bay leaf and thyme stems.
Finish and Serve: 14. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree the soup until completely smooth. 15. Stir in plant-based cream and a squeeze of lemon juice. 16. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 17. Ladle into bowls and garnish with reserved roasted garlic cloves and fresh thyme. 18. Serve immediately with crusty bread.
Time, Serving & Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4 people
- Calories per serving: ~145 calories
- Protein: 4g | Carbs: 18g | Fat: 6g
Why This Recipe is Exceptional
This French garlic soup delivers remarkable health benefits while providing incredible comfort and satisfaction. Garlic is a nutritional powerhouse containing allicin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Regular consumption of garlic supports cardiovascular health by helping to lower cholesterol and blood pressure naturally.
The slow-roasting process transforms garlic’s sharp bite into sweet, mellow flavors while preserving its beneficial compounds. This vegan soup is naturally dairy-free and provides excellent digestive support. The onions add prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria, while the plant-based cream contributes healthy fats without cholesterol.
Rich in antioxidants and immune-boosting compounds, this soup is perfect during cold season or when you need natural healing comfort food. The combination of roasted garlic and herbs creates a deeply nourishing meal that supports overall wellness while delivering the sophisticated flavors of classic French cuisine in a completely plant-based format.