Easy Instant Pot French Onion Soup with Red Wine
Cozy Up with Easy Instant Pot French Onion Soup with Red Wine
Is there anything more comforting on a chilly evening than a warm bowl of French Onion Soup? This isn’t your grandmother’s hours-long recipe – we’ve streamlined it for the Instant Pot, so you can enjoy rich, flavorful soup in just 30 minutes! This Easy Instant Pot French Onion Soup with Red Wine delivers all the classic flavors you love – deeply caramelized onions, savory broth, and a hint of red wine – without the fuss.
We all crave comfort food, and this soup is comfort. But it’s also surprisingly simple to make. The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, allowing the onions to soften and sweeten beautifully, creating a base for a truly exceptional soup. The red wine adds depth and complexity, while the thyme provides a lovely aromatic touch.
What makes this recipe special?
- Quick & Easy: Forget spending hours simmering! The Instant Pot cuts down the cooking time dramatically.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of caramelized onions, red wine, and beef broth creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile.
- Customizable: Enjoy it traditionally with crusty bread and melted cheese, or keep it lighter with a side of bread for dipping.
- Family Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters!
Tips for the Best French Onion Soup:
- Caramelizing Onions: While the Instant Pot helps, don’t rush the initial sautéing step. Allowing the onions to soften and brown is crucial for developing that signature sweet flavor.
- Wine Choice: A dry red wine like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir works best. Use a wine you enjoy drinking!
- Broth Quality: A good quality beef broth makes a big difference. If you have homemade, even better!
- Cheese Options: Gruyere is the classic choice, but Swiss, Provolone, or even a blend can be delicious.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this soup as a starter, a light lunch, or a cozy dinner. Pair it with a simple salad and a crusty baguette for a complete meal. Don’t forget the cheese!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of wine?
A: While a dry red wine is recommended, you can experiment with other types. Avoid sweet wines, as they will throw off the balance of the soup.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes! Substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth. You may also want to add a splash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the umami flavor.
Q: Can I use yellow onions instead of white onions?
A: Yes, yellow onions will work, but white onions are more traditional and have a slightly milder flavor.
Q: How can I make the soup thicker?
A: You can thicken the soup by simmering it uncovered for a few minutes after pressure cooking, or by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last few minutes of cooking.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! The soup can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
Easy Instant Pot French Onion Soup with Red Wine
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil or Butter
- 4 large onions thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme leaves dried
- 4 cups beef broth boxed
- 4 cups water
- 1 bottle red wine 3/4 cup
- to taste salt & pepper
Instructions
- Thin slice 4 large onions.
- Saute garlic and onion in olive oil or butter for 10 minutes until soft.
- Add the garlic, wine, thyme leaves, beef broth water and salt and pepper.
- Secure the lid and set to seal. Set to high pressure for 20 minutes with an instant release.
- After the soup is done you can put in an oven proof bowl set 2 crusty bread slices on top with a slice of Swiss or Gruyere cheese and broil for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted. Or like our family eating heart healthy we just use a crusty bread on the side.
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