Tourin

This traditional southwestern French garlic soup consists of large amounts of garlic, onions, roux, and stock or water. Egg whites and yolks are often added to tourin to thicken it. As garlic is both delicious and believed to have serious health benefits, this dish has understandably gained in popularity in recent times. There is even a tourin cook-off each February in the town of Villeréal in the Lot-et-Garonne region, celebrating the expertise of local chefs in preparing this flavorful soup. In southern France, it is a tradition to serve the dish to newlyweds. Tourin is usually served over a piece of toasted bread and garnished with croutons and parsley. Another popular way of serving the soup is to cover it with a slice of Gruyère cheese and place it under a broiler until the cheese melts.