French Onion Soup
Cozy Up with Classic French Onion Soup: A Recipe for Comfort
Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of French Onion Soup on a chilly evening? This isn’t just soup; it’s an experience. The deeply caramelized onions, rich broth, and bubbly, cheesy topping create a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to a Parisian bistro. We’ve perfected this classic recipe to be both approachable and incredibly delicious. It takes a little time, but the results are so worth it.
The Secret to Amazing French Onion Soup? Patience.
The key to truly exceptional French Onion Soup lies in the caramelization of the onions. Don’t rush this process! Low and slow is the way to go. We’re talking about an hour of gentle cooking, stirring frequently, to coax out the natural sweetness of the onions and develop that beautiful, deep brown color. This creates the foundation of the soup’s incredible flavor.
Beyond the Basics: Elevating Your Soup
While this recipe stays true to the traditional French Onion Soup, feel free to experiment! A splash of brandy or sherry added during the simmering stage can add a lovely complexity. You can also use different types of bread for toasting – a crusty sourdough or a hearty country loaf works beautifully. And don’t be shy with the cheese! Gruyère is a classic choice, but Comté or Emmental also melt beautifully and offer a slightly different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
French Onion Soup is a fantastic starter for a special occasion, but it’s also hearty enough to be a satisfying meal on its own. Serve it with a simple green salad and a crusty baguette for a complete and comforting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make French Onion Soup ahead of time? You can caramelize the onions a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and broil the soup just before serving.
- What kind of wine should I use? A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, works best. Avoid overly sweet wines.
- Can I use onion soup mix instead of making the broth from scratch? While it’s possible, the flavor won’t be nearly as complex or satisfying. We highly recommend making the broth from scratch for the best results.
- What if I don’t have a broiler? You can finish the soup under the oven’s high heat, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Is French Onion Soup vegetarian? This recipe is not inherently vegetarian as it uses beef bouillon. You can substitute vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian version.
Get ready to savor the rich, comforting flavors of this classic French Onion Soup. It’s a recipe you’ll make again and again!
French Onion Soup
Ingredients
- 4 small to medium onions
- 1 t large grain sea salt
- ¼ t pepper
- 50 g butter
- ½ T sugar
- 4 thick slices bread
- 2 cubes beef bouillon
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 1 sprig thyme
- to taste Swiss cheese for topping
- to taste nutmeg for topping
Instructions
- Slice onions thinly and cook in butter for an hour, stirring often. Cover just as soon as they start to turn brown.
- After they are very soft and brown, add the sugar and cook 5 more minutes.
- Butter and toast the large pieces of bread. 20 minutes in the oven at 350° until they are well toasted.
- Cook the onions with the water, wine, bay leaf, thyme and bouillon cubes.
- Bring to boil then simmer for 20 minutes.
- Place a piece of bread in the bottom of the tureen, followed by Swiss cheese.
- Fill with soup until close to the top.
- Add another piece of bread, then sprinkle more cheese, nutmeg and pepper.
- Broil for 5 to 10 minutes.
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