There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of French Onion Soup to comfort the soul. This classic dish, known for its rich flavors and simple ingredients, elevates everyday cooking into something truly special. It’s the perfect starter or light meal, especially on chilly evenings. Let’s dive into creating this deliciously savory recipe!
French Onion Soup
Before we jump into the cooking, let’s take a moment to admire what will surely become one of your favorite dishes. Here’s a delightful image of what you can expect:
Ingredients
To make this delectable soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 8 cups beef stock (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian version)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- French baguette, sliced
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!
- In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.
- Add the sugar halfway through the cooking process to help enhance the caramelization of the onions.
- Once the onions are nicely browned, sprinkle in the flour and stir for a couple of minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits stuck to it. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Add the beef stock and thyme, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your broiler. While the soup is simmering, prepare the baguette slices. Toast them slightly, then place them aside.
- To serve, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted baguette and generously sprinkle the Gruyère cheese over the top.
- Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully remove the bowls from the broiler, and serve hot. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of homemade French Onion Soup!
This French Onion Soup is not only a comforting choice but also a delightful dish that brings warmth and happiness to the table. Perfect for any occasion, it is sure to impress your family and friends!