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French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is a comforting and classic dish known for its rich flavor and aromatic, caramelized onions. The broth, combined with the crispy baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese, makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for cold weather or when you’re in the mood for something cozy. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as a comforting weeknight meal, this French Onion Soup is sure to impress.


Ingredients

To make this classic French Onion Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

Soup Base:

  • 1 tsp olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and prevents them from sticking to the pot.
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the soup.
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced: Onions are the star of this soup, and the key to its sweet, savory flavor when caramelized.
  • 1/2 tsp sugar: Helps to caramelize the onions, bringing out their natural sweetness.
  • 1/4 tsp salt (plus more to taste): Adds seasoning to balance the flavors.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic flavor to the soup base.
  • 8 cups beef broth: Forms the base of the soup, with a rich, hearty flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Adds an herby, savory depth.
  • 1 bay leaf: Enhances the overall flavor of the broth.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste: Season to your preference.

Topping:

  • 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch rounds: Provides the crunchy, toasted base that is a hallmark of French Onion Soup.
  • 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded: The traditional cheese topping for French Onion Soup. It melts beautifully and adds a deliciously gooey texture.

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by heating a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and unsalted butter, allowing the butter to melt and the oil to heat up.

Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt to the pot. Stir the onions regularly to ensure they cook evenly. Cook for 30-40 minutes, adjusting the heat as necessary to avoid burning. The onions should be a deep golden brown by the end of this process. This slow caramelization is key to developing the soup’s deep, rich flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth

Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. This step will infuse the soup with the aromatic flavor of garlic.

Next, pour in the beef broth, followed by the dried thyme and bay leaf. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 20-25 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 3: Toast the Baguette

While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and crisp.

Step 4: Assemble and Broil

Once the soup is ready and the baguette slices are toasted, it’s time to assemble. Preheat your broiler.

Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, leaving some room at the top for the baguette and cheese. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl of soup and generously sprinkle with the shredded Gruyère cheese.

Set the bowls on a baking sheet and place them under the broiler. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent the cheese from burning.

Step 5: Serve

Once the cheese has melted, carefully remove the bowls from the oven. Serve the French Onion Soup hot and enjoy!

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Tips and Variations:

  1. Use Sweet Onions: If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, you can substitute yellow onions with sweet onions, such as Vidalia onions, for a milder taste.
  2. Add More Herbs: While thyme is the traditional herb used in French Onion Soup, you can also experiment with adding a sprig of rosemary or a dash of marjoram for added complexity.
  3. Cheese Variations: Gruyère is the classic cheese, but you can also use a mix of Gruyère and Swiss cheese for a slightly different taste. Some variations also use Parmesan for an extra savory kick.
  4. For a Lighter Version: If you’re looking to reduce the richness of the soup, you can use a lower-sodium broth and reduce the amount of butter. You could also omit the cheese topping, though it will no longer be a classic French Onion Soup.
  5. Make it Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth in place of the beef broth for a lighter, vegetarian version of the soup. The caramelized onions will still provide plenty of flavor, even without the beef broth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make French Onion Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup a day in advance. After the soup has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup and then toast the baguette slices and melt the cheese just before broiling.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Gruyère is the traditional cheese for French Onion Soup, but you can experiment with other cheeses. Swiss cheese, fontina, or even a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan can work well as alternatives.

Can I freeze French Onion Soup?

Yes, French Onion Soup can be frozen. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and heat on the stove, then top with toasted baguette and cheese before broiling.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

While the caramelizing of the onions works best on the stovetop, you can prepare the broth and other ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook the onions separately and then add them to the slow cooker with the broth, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Let it cook on low for 4-6 hours.

How do I prevent the onions from burning while caramelizing?

To prevent burning, cook the onions on medium heat and stir them regularly. If the onions start to brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly and continue cooking. Caramelizing onions is a slow process, but the results are worth it!

Can I use another type of bread for the topping?

Yes, while a baguette is traditional, you can use any crusty bread you prefer, such as sourdough or ciabatta. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up to the soup and cheese.


Conclusion

Classic French Onion Soup is a soul-warming, rich dish that combines the sweetness of caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and melted cheese for a comforting meal. Whether you make it for a cozy dinner or as part of a special meal, this recipe will be a hit. With a few variations, you can customize it to suit your taste, and the melted Gruyère cheese topping is the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy this classic French dish in the comfort of your own home, and indulge in a warm, flavorful bowl of soup!