Garlic Soup

Ingredients

• 1  bay leaf 
• 2 cups day-old crusty bread cubed
• 1 cup cooking wine dry white
• 6 servings optional: dill fresh for topping
• 2 small heads garlic peeled smashed thinly sliced
• 6 servings kosher salt and pepper freshly ground
• 0.3 cup olive oil extra-virgin
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 piece parmesan cheese rind grated
• 0.3 cup cup heavy whipping cream sour
• 2 sprigs thyme leaves 

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• sauce pan
• blender

Directions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the smashed garlic and onion and cook, stirring, until soft and lightly golden, about 8 minutes.
3. Add the wine, thyme, bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper to taste and the cheese rind. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
4. Add 5 cups water, reduce the heat to low and bring to a gentle simmer; cook until the garlic is very soft, about 30 minutes.
5. Remove from the heat, add the bread and let soak, 10 minutes.
6. Remove the thyme, bay leaf and cheese rind from the saucepan; stir in the grated cheese, sour cream and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
7. Transfer the soup to a blender in batches and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Combine the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, the sliced garlic and a pinch of salt in a skillet over low heat; cook until the garlic is golden and crisp, 12 to 15 minutes.
9. Divide the soup among bowls. Top with the fried garlic, some of the garlic oil, and dill.
10. Photograph by Christina Holmes