If you’re craving a dish that combines deep, rich flavors with comforting warmth, look no further than Savory Short Rib French Onion Soup with Gruyère Toast. This recipe takes the classic French onion soup to a whole new level by adding melt-in-your-mouth short ribs and a crispy, cheesy Gruyère toast. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Let’s dive into the recipe for this hearty and satisfying soup.
Ingredients
To create this comforting, flavorful soup, you’ll need a few key ingredients. The combination of beef short ribs, fresh herbs, and a mix of seasonings builds the rich flavor profile, while the Gruyère toast adds that final touch of indulgence.
For the Soup:
- 6 tablespoons salted butter: This is the base for cooking the onions and aromatics, adding richness to the soup.
- 4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced: The onions are caramelized, creating the signature sweet and savory flavor of French onion soup.
- Black pepper, to taste: To season the soup and balance the rich flavors.
- 2 shallots, sliced: Shallots add a mild sweetness and complexity to the soup.
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped: Garlic provides a fragrant base note that complements the beef.
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves: Thyme adds an earthy, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage: Sage brings a warm, earthy undertone to the soup.
- Red chili flakes, to taste: For a subtle hint of heat that adds complexity to the dish.
- 6-8 cups low sodium chicken broth: The broth serves as the liquid base for the soup, absorbing all the flavors of the ingredients.
- 1/2 cup tamari or low-sodium soy sauce: This adds umami depth to the broth.
- 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs: The star of the soup, these short ribs will slow-cook and release their rich flavor into the broth.
- 2 bay leaves: A classic aromatic used in many soups to add depth.
- 1 star anise (optional): This adds a slightly sweet, licorice-like flavor that complements the richness of the beef.
- 2 cups baby carrots: Carrots add a subtle sweetness and texture to the soup.
For the Cheesy Gruyère Toast:
- 6 slices French bread: A sturdy bread that will hold up well to the toppings and adds a crispy texture.
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese: Gruyère is known for its nutty, slightly sweet flavor that melts beautifully, making it the perfect cheese for this toast.
Directions
Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to start making this delicious and hearty soup. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bring this dish to life:
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). The short ribs will be slow-roasted in the oven, which will allow them to become tender and infuse the broth with their deep, rich flavor.
2. Cook the Onions
In a large oven-safe Dutch oven, melt the salted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced onions to the pot. Cook them for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to soften the onions and begin the caramelization process. This will bring out their natural sweetness and create the perfect base for your soup. Once the onions are softened and beginning to brown, season them with black pepper to taste.
3. Add Aromatics and Short Ribs
Now, add the shallots, garlic, thyme, sage, and red chili flakes to the pot. Stir everything together so that the onions are evenly coated with the aromatics. Nestle the short ribs into the mixture, making sure they are partially submerged in the onions. This allows the short ribs to absorb the flavors of the aromatics and begin to release their rich, beefy juices.
4. Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring that the short ribs are nearly covered. If needed, add more broth to almost cover the meat. Stir in the tamari or low-sodium soy sauce, bay leaves, and star anise (if using). These ingredients add a rich, savory depth to the broth. Once everything is in the pot, cover the Dutch oven with a lid.
5. Roast the Short Ribs
Transfer the Dutch oven to your preheated oven and roast the short ribs for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. The meat should become tender and begin to fall off the bone. In the final 1-2 hours of cooking, add the baby carrots to the pot. The carrots will absorb the flavors of the broth while cooking.
6. Shred the Meat
After the short ribs have finished cooking, remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Discard the bay leaves and star anise. Using two forks, remove the bones from the short ribs and shred the meat. Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir it into the soup. Keep the soup warm on low heat and adjust the seasoning with salt, if necessary.
7. Prepare the Cheesy Gruyère Toast
While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the slices of French bread on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes until they are crispy and golden. This will give the bread a solid base for the cheese.
8. Broil the Cheesy Toast
Once the bread is toasted, switch the oven to broil. Top each slice of French bread with a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese. Broil the bread for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Be sure to keep an eye on the toast to prevent it from burning.
9. Serve the Soup
Ladle the hot, rich short rib and onion soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a cheesy Gruyère toast. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor and a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth of this delicious dish.
Tips and Variations
- Slow Cooker Alternative: If you prefer, you can use a slow cooker instead of the oven. Brown the onions and aromatics in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the short ribs, broth, and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup. Mushrooms, celery, or parsnips would work wonderfully and add additional depth of flavor.
- Make it Spicier: If you like a little more heat, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the soup.
- Gravy-Like Broth: For a richer, gravy-like consistency, you can thicken the broth by simmering it uncovered for a longer period to allow it to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! While this recipe uses bone-in beef short ribs, you can substitute with other cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or brisket. However, the cooking times may vary depending on the cut you choose, so adjust accordingly.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors in this soup deepen and improve over time. You can make it a day or two ahead of time, then simply reheat it when ready to serve. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
How can I make the toast even more delicious?
For an extra flavor boost, you can spread a thin layer of garlic butter on the French bread before toasting it. This will give the toast an even richer flavor that pairs beautifully with the soup.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the soup for up to three months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove and prepare the Gruyère toast fresh.
Conclusion
Savory Short Rib French Onion Soup with Gruyère Toast is the ultimate comfort food, offering the perfect combination of tender beef, caramelized onions, and cheesy toast. The slow-cooked short ribs add a rich, savory depth to the broth, while the Gruyère toast adds a crispy, melty finish. This dish is perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a hearty, flavorful meal. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy every bite of this savory, indulgent soup!