the canyon bistro’s french onion soup
Cozy Up with Classic French Onion Soup
Is there anything more comforting than a steaming bowl of French Onion Soup on a chilly evening? This classic recipe, deeply rooted in French cuisine, is surprisingly simple to make at home. Don’t let the caramelization time intimidate you – the rich, sweet, and savory flavor you achieve is well worth the effort. We’ll guide you through each step to create a truly unforgettable soup that will impress your family and friends.
The Secret to Amazing French Onion Soup
The key to a truly exceptional French Onion Soup lies in patience. Properly caramelizing the onions is crucial. This isn’t about quickly softening them; it’s about slowly drawing out their natural sugars over a longer period, resulting in a deep, golden brown color and intensely sweet flavor. We recommend using yellow onions for their balanced sweetness and flavor.
Building Layers of Flavor
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, a splash of dry sherry deglazes the pot, lifting all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom. This adds a wonderful depth and complexity to the soup. The beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme then simmer together, creating a fragrant and comforting base. Finally, the toasted French bread and generous topping of Gruyère cheese add the perfect textural contrast and rich, nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
French Onion Soup is a fantastic appetizer or a light meal. Serve it with a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying experience. A crusty baguette alongside is always a welcome addition for soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of onion? While yellow onions are traditional, you can experiment with sweet onions like Vidalia for a slightly sweeter flavor. Avoid red onions, as they have a sharper flavor that doesn’t work as well in this soup.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! You can caramelize the onions and make the soup base a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and then proceed with the final steps (toasting bread, adding cheese, and broiling) when you’re ready to serve.
- What if I don’t have Gruyère cheese? Comté or Emmental cheese are good substitutes, offering a similar nutty and slightly sweet flavor.
- Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth? While beef broth provides a richer, more traditional flavor, chicken broth can be used in a pinch. The flavor will be lighter.
- How long does it take to caramelize the onions? It typically takes 30-40 minutes, but it can vary depending on your stove and the size of your pot. Be patient and stir frequently to prevent burning.
Get ready to savor the warmth and comfort of this timeless classic! This French Onion Soup recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
French Onion Soup
Ingredients
- 3 lbs yellow onions thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup dry sherry
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 6 slices French bread
- 6 oz Gruyère cheese grated
Instructions
- Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes.
- Add sugar and cook for another 5 minutes. Deglaze the pot with sherry, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Preheat broiler. Place French bread slices on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes per side, until toasted.
- Remove bay leaf from soup. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted French bread and sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.
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