The Soups of France

Book excerpt: In France, a nation of small villages, an incredible variety of soups have evolved over time, with cherished family recipes handed down from generation to generation. The Soups of France uncovers those recipes, many still enjoyed today, others long forgotten. From famed Pot-au-Feu and Bouillabaisse to Baratxuri Salda, a spicy Basque broth of garlic, sausage, and red pepper, and the Dordognes Sobronade, ham and bean soup, each of the 90-plus recipes celebrates a melting pot of flavor. Rich with glorious photographs illustrating the lush countryside, quaint villages, and vibrant marketplaces, The Soups of France is a delightful culinary ramble. A labor of love on an art the French take for granted, this is a treasure no true collection of cookery books should be without.