Garlic soup (Soupe à l'ail)

In the south of France, garlic is not only thought of as a culinary herb, but also as a vegetable, so it is no surprise that garlic soup is so deeply rooted in the traditional cuisine of regions like Occitanie and Provence. Its origins can be traced to the Middle Ages when soupe à l'ail was dished out only for special occasions and found on the table of noble families, since black pepper—one of the essential ingredients—was among the most expensive spices at the time.

French garlic soup is typically served with poached eggs and slices of baguette bread browned in olive oil.