French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup is a classic French dish renowned for its deep, savory flavors derived from slowly caramelized onions simmered in a rich broth. Topped with toasted baguette slices and a generous layer of melted Gruyère cheese, it offers a comforting and indulgent dining experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
– 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt, to taste
– 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
– 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
– 1 bay leaf
– 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
– 1 baguette, sliced into rounds
– 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt and the sugar. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized (about 45-60 minutes).
3. If using, add the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Allow the wine to reduce for 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in the beef broth, add the bay leaf and thyme, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook for an additional 20-30 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. While the soup simmers, preheat your broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them lightly.
6. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs from the soup. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place one or two toasted baguette slices on top, and generously sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese.
7. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Season with freshly ground black pepper and serve hot.
Notes
– For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
– The slow caramelization of the onions is key to developing the soup’s rich flavor; be patient and stir occasionally.
– Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
– Use oven-safe bowls when broiling to melt the cheese topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Find it online: https://www.cookflash.com/french-onion-soup/