Susan spicer's garlic soup

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2poundsOnions - roughly chopped
2cupsGarlic - peeled and chopped
2tablespoonsOlive oil
2tablespoonsButter - unsalted
quartChicken stock
½Loaf French bread - stale and in chunks
1pintHalf & half - or cream
1Bouqet garni tied together with butcher's string
(or cotton string): 10 3\" stems of parsley,
5Stems of fresh thyme* and 1 bay leaf.

Directions

*if you don't have fresh thyme for the bouquet garni, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves will do.

Saute onions and garlic in butter and olive oil stirring frequently, over low to medium heat until deep golden color is reached (about 30 minutes). Add chicken stock, bouquet garni and bread. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Remove bouquet garni. Puree in blender. Strain through medium strainer. Heat and add half & half. Salt and pepper to taste.

The soup is better the second day, as it mellows overnight.

From Chef Susan Spicer of The Bayona, New Orleans, LA