French Onion Soup is a classic, comforting dish with rich flavors from caramelized onions and a savory broth, topped with melted cheese and crusty bread. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a cozy meal. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious soup:
Ingredients:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced (yellow or white onions work best)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to help caramelize the onions)
- 6 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef and vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 baguette or crusty bread, sliced
- 2 cups grated Gruyรจre cheese (or Swiss cheese)
Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and sugar halfway through to help the onions caramelize. The onions should become golden brown and sweet.
- Stir occasionally to prevent burning, and adjust the heat if necessary to avoid the onions from cooking too quickly.
2. Add the Garlic and Deglaze:
- Once the onions are deeply caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- If using white wine, pour it in now to deglaze the pot, scraping up any caramelized bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Simmer the Soup:
- Add the beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce (if using) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 30-45 minutes, uncovered, to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
4. Prepare the Toast:
- While the soup is simmering, preheat your ovenโs broiler.
- Slice the baguette into about 1-inch thick slices. Toast the slices lightly in the oven or on a grill pan until golden and crisp.
5. Assemble the Soup:
- Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
- Place a toasted slice of bread on top of each bowl of soup, and generously sprinkle with grated Gruyรจre or Swiss cheese.
6. Broil the Soup:
- Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
7. Serve:
- Carefully remove the hot bowls from the oven, garnish with a little more thyme if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips:
- For extra flavor: You can use a splash of brandy or sherry when deglazing the onions.
- Vegetarian option: If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth.
- Slow-cooked option: You can caramelize the onions over low heat for longer (about 1 hour) to bring out a richer flavor, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Cheese options: Gruyรจre is the traditional cheese used, but you can also use a mix of Gruyรจre and Parmesan for a slightly different flavor.
French Onion Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines the deep flavor of caramelized onions with the richness of cheese and broth. Perfect for cozy evenings!