French Onion Soup, a classic dish that has warmed the hearts and bellies of many over the centuries. Its rich flavors, combined with the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of caramelized onions and gooey cheese, make it a favorite for many. But what makes a perfect bowl of French Onion Soup? Let’s embark on a culinary journey to uncover the secrets behind this timeless dish.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup white wine or water
- 6 cups beef stock
- French bread, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Gruyere cheese, sliced or grated
Directions:
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add onions, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 20-25 minutes or until onions become very soft and caramelized.
- Add the white wine and bring to a boil. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-10 minutes or until the wine has evaporated.
- Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
- Add in the flour, stir to coat the onions. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the beef broth and bring the soup back to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
- While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Coat both sides of the French bread slices with olive oil. Place onto the prepared baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the toasts over and top with Gruyere cheese.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake until cheese has melted and is slightly golden brown.
- Spoon the soup into a bowl and top with cheesy toast. Serve immediately. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 70 minutes
Kcal: 383 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
FAQs
- Can I use another type of cheese besides Gruyere? Absolutely! Choose your favorite, although Gruyere is a classic choice.
- What about using croutons instead of bread? Any bread goodness works. Some even use rusks!
- Can I use dried herbs? While fresh herbs are preferred, dried ones work in a pinch.
- Red wine instead of white? That works too! It’ll give the soup a deeper color and slightly different flavor.
French Onion Soup is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. Every spoonful is a blend of history, culture, and culinary expertise. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this soup is bound to leave an impression. So, the next time you’re in the mood for some comfort food, remember this particular recipe and treat yourself to a bowl of warmth and goodness.