Serves 4.

INGREDIENTS

  • 26garlic cloves (unpeeled)
  • 2tablespoons olive oil2tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
  • 2 1/4cups sliced onions
  • 1 1/2teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 18garlic cloves, peeled
  • 3 1/2cups chicken stock or canned
    low-salt chicken broth
  • 1/2cup whipping cream1/2cup finely grated parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)
  • 4lemon wedges

    DIRECTIONS

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Place 26 garlic cloves in small glass baking dish. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Cover baking dish tightly with foil and bake until garlic is golden brown and tender, about 45 minutes. Cool. Squeeze garlic between fingertips to release cloves. Transfer cloves to small bowl.


    Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions and thyme and cook until onions are translucent, about 6 minutes. Add roasted garlic and 18 raw garlic cloves and cook 3 minutes. Add chicken stock; cover and simmer until garlic is very tender, about 20 minutes. Working in batches, purée soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to saucepan; add cream and bring to simmer. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat, stirring occasionally.)


    Divide grated cheese among 4 bowls and ladle soup over. Squeeze juice of 1 lemon wedge into each bowl and serve.