French Onion Soup

Picture the rich aroma of caramelized onions mingling with the warmth of melted cheese as it wafts through your kitchen.

French Onion Soup is the epitome of comfort food, effortlessly bringing a touch of French elegance to your table.

With simple ingredients like onions, broth, and cheese, this soup transforms into a delightful, savory masterpiece.

Let’s bring this classic dish to life and savor every spoonful of its delicious charm.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 ladle
• 1 knife
• 1 cutting board
• 4 oven-safe soup bowls
• 1 baking sheet

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 baguette, sliced
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time when preparing and cooking French Onion Soup, here’s a timeline you can follow:

Preparation and Cooking Timeline:

1. Reading and Initial Preparation (10 minutes):
   • Review the recipe thoroughly to understand all the steps and guarantee you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
   • Gather all the ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe.
2. Onion Preparation (5 minutes):
   • Thinly slice the onions using a knife and cutting board.
3. Cooking Onions (25 minutes):
   • Start by melting the butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook until they’re caramelized. This step is essential for flavor, so be patient.
4. Adding Seasonings and Garlic (2 minutes):
   • Stir in the sugar, salt, and pepper.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Wine Reduction (5 minutes):
   • Pour in the white wine and let it reduce by half.
6. Simmering the Soup (30 minutes):
   • Add beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme, and bring to a simmer.
   • Cover partially and let the soup simmer.
7. Toasting Baguette (5 minutes):
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Slice the baguette and place the slices on a baking sheet.
   • Toast in the oven until golden.
8. Final Soup Assembly and Broiling (10 minutes):
   • Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs from the soup.
   • Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a toasted baguette slice, and cover with grated Gruyère cheese.
   • Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Resting Time (10 minutes):
   • Allow the soup to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

This timeline includes an additional 10 minutes for reading and preparation, guaranteeing you have a smooth cooking experience with minimal stress. Enjoy your delicious French Onion Soup!

Recipe Instructions

Melt the butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in sugar, salt, and pepper.

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Pour in the white wine and let it reduce by half.

Add beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme, and bring to a simmer.

Cover partially and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden.

Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs from the soup.

Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place a slice of toasted baguette on top of each, and cover with grated Gruyère cheese.

Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Allow the soup to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Serve alongside extra slices of toasted baguette for dipping.
• Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a revitalizing contrast to the rich soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair with a side of roasted vegetables for added nutrition and color.
• Charcuterie Board: Complement the soup with a selection of cured meats and cheeses.
• Red Wine: Accompany with a glass of red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Merlot, to enhance the flavors of the dish.

Storage

To store French onion soup, let it cool completely.

Then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze it without the bread and cheese toppings.

Freezing

To freeze French onion soup, cool it completely.

Then transfer to airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.

Freeze without the bread and cheese.

Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat French Onion Soup, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat.

Stir occasionally. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

Re-toast baguette and melt cheese under the broiler before serving.

Final Thoughts

French onion soup is a classic dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a rich and flavorful experience.

It’s important to take the time to properly caramelize the onions, as this process develops the sweet and deep flavors that are characteristic of this soup.

Choosing a high-quality beef broth will further enhance the taste, providing a robust base for the other ingredients.

When assembling the soup, make certain that the bread and cheese are perfectly toasted and melted, respectively, creating a delightful contrast with the savory broth.

If Gruyère cheese is unavailable, Emmental or Swiss cheese can be used as suitable alternatives.

Allowing the soup to rest before serving guarantees the flavors meld together beautifully, delivering a comforting and satisfying dish.

Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main course, French onion soup is a timeless favorite that embodies the essence of French cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make French Onion Soup Vegetarian?

You can make it vegetarian by substituting beef broth with vegetable broth. Confirm you caramelize the onions thoroughly for depth of flavor. Opt for high-quality vegetable stock to maintain richness. Gruyère or similar cheese will complement perfectly.

What Type of Onions Are Best for This Soup?

You should use yellow onions for their balanced sweetness and robust flavor. Slice them thinly to guarantee even caramelization. Caramelize slowly over medium heat, about 25 minutes, until deep golden brown for ideal flavor development.

Can I Substitute the White Wine With Another Ingredient?

You can replace the 1/2 cup of dry white wine with 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup of water. This substitution maintains the acidity and complexity, ensuring the dish’s balance and depth.

Is It Possible to Make This Soup Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free baguette for the topping. Confirm your beef broth is certified gluten-free. Follow the same recipe steps, adjusting only for the bread substitution to maintain flavor balance.

How Can I Adjust the Recipe for More Servings?

To adjust for more servings, multiply each ingredient by your desired serving factor. Maintain caramelization time for onions, guarantee even seasoning adjustments, and verify oven space accommodates additional bowls for broiling. Adjust cooking times as needed.