French Onion Soup is a beloved classic that boasts rich, savory flavors and the warmth of caramelized onions. Topped with melted cheese and served with toasted bread, this soup is a comforting delight perfect for chilly days. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 8 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Toasted Bread and Cheese:
- Baguette slices or French bread, toasted
- Swiss cheese or Gruyère cheese, grated
Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes or until they start to caramelize and turn golden brown.
- Sprinkle the sugar over the onions and continue to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and have a rich, brown color.
2. Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
- If using dry white wine, pour it into the pot with the caramelized onions.
- Stir and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
3. Add Garlic and Broth:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaves.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil.
4. Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes, or longer if time allows. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors will be.
5. Preheat the Broiler:
- Preheat your oven’s broiler.
6. Prepare the Cheese-Topped Toast:
- Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks.
- Place a slice of toasted baguette or French bread on top of each bowl of soup.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Swiss cheese or Gruyère cheese on top of the bread slices.
7. Broil:
- Place the soup bowls on a baking sheet and put them under the broiler.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
8. Serve:
- Carefully remove the soup bowls from the oven.
- Serve the French Onion Soup hot, savoring the cheesy, caramelized onion goodness.
French onion soup is a traditional comfort food that is both filling and elegant. Its deep, savory flavors and gooey cheese topping make it a French cuisine favorite. This soup will warm your heart and delight your taste buds whether served as an appetizer or as a meal on its own. Enjoy!