Healthy French Soup Recipes

French cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, aromas, and intricate dishes, and its soups are no exception. From classic onion soup to hearty fish soup, French soups are a staple in French cuisine, often served as a starter or a main course. Each region in France has its own unique soup traditions, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, exploring French soups can be a great way to introduce yourself to new flavors and techniques.

In this article, we’ll dive into iconic French soups, each with its own story, flavors, and textures. We’ll cover recipes that are perfect for special occasions, weeknight meals, or just a comforting bowl of goodness. Get ready to explore the world of French soups and discover new favorites!

1. French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is a classic French dish that consists of caramelized onions, beef broth, and topped with croutons and grated cheese. This simple yet flavorful soup has gained international recognition for its delicious taste and is a staple in many French restaurants.

Ingredients

– 3 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 4 cups of beef broth
– 1 cup of grated Gruyère cheese
– 4 slices of baguette, toasted
– Fresh thyme, chopped (optional)

Instruction

1. In a large pan, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they’re caramelized, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the beef broth, salt, and pepper to the pan and stir to combine.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place the toasted baguette slices in a baking dish and spoon the onion mixture over them.
5. Top with grated Gruyère cheese and bake until the cheese melts and the soup is bubbly.

2. Potato Leek Soup (Vichyssoise)

Vichyssoise is a classic French cold potato and leek soup originating from the Auvergne region. The soup is made with potatoes, leeks, garlic, and heavy cream, giving it a rich, creamy texture.

Ingredients

– 2 large potatoes, diced
– 2 leeks, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh chives, chopped (optional)

Instruction

1. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced leeks and cook until they’re softened.
2. Add the diced potatoes, garlic, salt, and pepper to the pan and stir to combine.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Remove from heat and let the soup cool to room temperature.
5. Chill the soup in the refrigerator before serving.

3. Bouillabaisse

Bouillabaisse is a traditional Provençal fish soup originating from the port city of Marseille. The soup is made with a variety of fish and shellfish, along with vegetables and aromatics.

Ingredients

– 2 pounds of white fish, cut into large pieces
– 1 pound of mussels, scrubbed
– 1 pound of clams, scrubbed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 teaspoon of saffron threads
– 1 cup of fish broth
– White beans, cooked (optional)

Instruction

1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
2. Add the white fish, mussels, and clams to the pot, along with fish broth and saffron.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
5. Serve the soup with cooked white beans, if desired.

4. Cream of Mushroom Soup

This rich and creamy soup is a French classic, made with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and heavy cream. It’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting treat.

Ingredients

– 2 cups of mixed mushrooms, sliced
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
– 2 cups of heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh thyme, chopped (optional)

Instruction

1. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re softened.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s softened.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to combine.
4. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.

5. Lentil du Puy Soup

Lentil du Puy soup is a hearty and comforting soup originating from the Auvergne region. Made with lentils, vegetables, and aromatics, this soup is a staple in French cuisine.

Ingredients

– 1 cup of brown or green lentils, rinsed
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 cups of vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instruction

1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
2. Add the lentils, garlic, vegetable broth, and thyme to the pot.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Carrot Soup

This sweet and comforting soup is a French classic, made with carrots, onions, and cream. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

Ingredients

– 2 pounds of carrots, chopped
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 1/2 cup o heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instruction

1. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
2. Add the chopped carrots to the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes or until tender.
3. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Garlic Soup

Garlic soup is a rich and savory French classic, made with roasted garlic, onions, and chicken broth. It’s perfect for lovers of garlic or those looking for a comforting bowl of goodness.

Ingredients

– 1 head of garlic, roasted
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instruction

1. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
2. Add the roasted garlic to the pan and stir to combine.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Sorrel Soup

Sorrel soup is a French classic, made with sorrel leaves, onions, and chicken broth. It’s a refreshing and tangy soup perfect for a light meal or side.

Ingredients

– 2 cups of sorrel leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instruction

1. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
2. Add the chopped sorrel to the pan and stir to combine.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the sorrel has infused the flavors.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Fish Soup

Fish soup is a French classic, made with a variety of fish and shellfish, along with vegetables and aromatics. It’s perfect for seafood lovers or a comforting bowl of goodness.

Ingredients

– 1 pound of white fish, cut into large pieces
– 1 pound of mussels, scrubbed
– 1 pound of clams, scrubbed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 cup of fish broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instruction

1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
2. Add the white fish, mussels, and clams to the pot, along with fish broth.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

10. Turnip Soup

Turnip soup is a French classic, made with turnips, onions, and chicken broth. It’s a comforting and flavorful soup perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion.

Ingredients

– 2 large turnips, peeled and chopped
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instruction

1. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
2. Add the chopped turnips to the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes or until tender.
3. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

I hope this article has provided you with new inspiration for French soup recipes. From the classic French Onion Soup to the comforting Turnip Soup, there’s something for everyone. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new combinations of ingredients to create your own unique soup creations. Bon appétit!