Description
Savory Classic French Onion Soup whispers comfort from French kitchens, beckoning with rich caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese. Hearty broth and crusty bread create a sublime dining experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 8 slices French bread
- 1.5 cups Gruyere cheese, grated
Cooking Fats and Oils:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Initiate the caramelization process in a large pot by gently melting butter and olive oil over medium heat. Incorporate sliced onions, sprinkle sugar, and add a delicate pinch of salt. Slowly transform the onions through consistent stirring, allowing them to develop a deep golden-brown color and rich caramelized texture over 30-40 minutes.
- Enhance the soup’s complexity by introducing beef broth and white wine. Infuse with fragrant thyme and season with salt and pepper. Elevate the liquid to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes, enabling the flavors to harmonize and intensify.
- Prepare bread accompaniment by heating the oven to 400F (200C). Arrange French bread slices on a baking sheet, transforming them into crisp, golden toast through a 5-7 minute roasting process.
- Carefully distribute the aromatic soup into heat-resistant bowls. Crown each serving with a perfectly toasted bread slice, then lavishly blanket with freshly grated Gruyere cheese.
- Position the cheese-topped bowls on a baking sheet. Position under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching intently as the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden landscape.
- Optionally garnish with fresh parsley, then present the soup immediately while piping hot, inviting diners to experience the rich, layered flavors.
Notes
- Caramelize onions slowly to develop deep, rich flavor without burning, stirring occasionally and adjusting heat as needed.
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia for enhanced natural sweetness and smoother caramelization process.
- Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar during onion cooking to boost depth and complexity of flavor profile.
- For gluten-free version, replace traditional French bread with gluten-free bread or omit bread entirely and focus on cheesy, savory soup base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg