Classic French Onion Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 5-6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 8 cups of beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 crusty baguette, sliced and toasted
- 1 1/2 cups of grated Gruyère cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Begin by heating the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the thinly sliced onions, sugar, and salt, cooking them for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally until caramelized to a deep golden brown.
Step 3: Put in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the garlic does not burn.
Step 4: Deglaze the pot with white wine, stirring to lift all the flavorful caramelized bits off the bottom.
Step 5: Add beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Step 6: Preheat the oven broiler while the soup is simmering.
Step 7: Remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice or two of toasted baguette onto each bowl of soup.
Step 8: Generously top with Gruyère cheese, and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
Step 9: Place the bowls under the broiler for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and browned to your liking.
Step 10: Carefully remove from the oven and serve hot. Be cautious as the bowls will be extremely hot.
Equipment and Tools
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Oven-safe bowls
Preparation
Before you begin cooking, make sure all of your ingredients are measured and prepared. The onions should be peeled and cut into thin slices. Toast the slices of baguette ahead of time to ensure they are ready to use as soon as the soup is ready.
Cooking Process
Caramelizing the onions is a crucial step and requires patience; they should cook down slowly to bring out their natural sweetness. The addition of sugar assists with this process. Deglazing with white wine adds another layer of flavor that complements the richness of the onions. Simmering the broth lets the spices infuse into the liquid for a deep, savory taste.
Tips and Tricks
Be sure not to rush the caramelization of the onions; this is the key to the soup’s flavor.
Opt for a good quality beef broth for the best depth of flavor.
If you don’t have Gruyère cheese, a mix of Swiss and Parmesan can be used as a substitute.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 20g
Introduction:
Embrace the essence of French cuisine with this timeless Classic French Onion Soup recipe. Renowned for its simplicity and depth of flavor, this dish embodies the warmth of a Parisian bistro, with the rustic sweetness of caramelized onions enveloped in a rich, savory broth. It’s a perfect starter for a dinner party or a comforting meal all on its own.
Serving Suggestions:
This comforting soup pairs beautifully with a crisp salad and a glass of your favorite red wine. It’s ideal for a cozy night in or for impressing guests with your culinary skills.
Flavor Profile:
The Classic French Onion Soup offers a complex interplay of sweetness from the caramelized onions, savoriness from the beef broth, and a distinctive piquancy from the Gruyère cheese. Each spoonful is hearty and satisfying, especially with the crunch of the toasted baguette.
Conclusion:
A steaming bowl of this Classic French Onion Soup is the perfect culinary hug. From its rich golden broth to its tantalizingly toasted cheese topping, every element of this recipe is designed to soothe and satisfy the palate. So gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor a bowl of French culinary tradition that has stood the test of time. Bon appétit!
