Classic French Onion Soup: A Savory Delight

Ingredients

  • 6 large yellow onions (about 4 lbs)
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 3 heaping tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 quarts beef broth
  • 1 baguette
  • 1/2 pound grated Gruyere cheese

Steps and instructions

  1. Melt the stick of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and salt and pepper and cook until the onions are very soft and caramelized, about 25 minutes.
  2. Add the wine, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the wine has evaporated and the onions are dry, about 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
  3. Dust the onions with the flour and give them a stir. Turn the heat down to medium low so the flour doesn't burn, and cook for 10 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  4. Now add the beef broth, bring the soup back to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
  5. While the soup is simmering, preheat the broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle the slices with the Gruyere and broil until bubbly and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
  6. Ladle the soup in bowls and float several of the Gruyere croutons on top.
  7. Alternative: Ladle the soup into bowls, top each with 2 slices of bread and top with cheese. Put the bowls into the oven to toast the bread and melt the cheese.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of cheese such as Swiss, Emmental, or Fontina instead of Gruyere.
  • Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth to make it a meat-free option.
  • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the soup for a tangy flavor.
  • Top the soup with crispy bacon or pancetta for added richness.
  • Add sliced mushrooms to the caramelized onions for a mushroom and onion soup fusion.
  • Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
  • Instead of using a baguette, serve the soup with croutons made from sourdough, rye, or whole wheat bread.
  • Garnish the soup with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme for added freshness.
  • Experiment with different types of onions such as red onions, Vidalia onions, or shallots for unique flavor profiles.
  • Add a splash of brandy or cognac to the soup for a luxurious touch.

Recipe overview

This French Onion Soup recipe is a perfect blend of caramelized onions, rich beef broth, a splash of red wine, and topped with a crusty baguette slice covered in melted Gruyere cheese. It's a warm and comforting dish perfect for cold weather but is also versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. With steps easy enough for even a beginner cook, this recipe will guide you through preparing a restaurant-quality French Onion Soup right in your own kitchen. Expect a savory, satisfying dish with a depth of flavor that comes from slow-cooking the onions until they're perfectly caramelized. The melted cheese and toasty bread add a deliciously indulgent finish. Get ready to enjoy a classic French dish that's not only hearty but also irresistibly delicious!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
    It takes about 25 minutes to caramelize the onions.
  2. What type of wine should I use?
    You can use any dry red wine of your choice.
  3. How long should I cook the soup after adding the beef broth?
    You should cook the soup for an additional 10 minutes after adding the beef broth.
  4. Can I use a different type of cheese for the Gruyere croutons?
    Yes, you can use a different type of cheese if you prefer. However, Gruyere cheese is traditionally used in French Onion Soup.
  5. Can I make the soup ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. It actually tastes even better the next day!

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the onions and simmer the soup.
  • Baking sheet - A baking sheet is used to toast the baguette slices with cheese under the broiler.
  • Soup ladle - A soup ladle is helpful for serving the French Onion Soup into bowls.
  • Cheese grater - A cheese grater is needed to grate the Gruyere cheese for the soup.
  • Oven mitts - Oven mitts are necessary for handling hot baking sheets and pots.
  • Soup bowls - Soup bowls are used to serve the French Onion Soup.

Origin stories

French onion soup, as its name suggests, hails from the culinary heartland of France. This rustic dish can be traced back to Roman times, yet it gained prominence during the 18th century, where it was seen as a soup for the poor, being easy to prepare and made from readily available ingredients - onions, beef broth, and stale bread. It became particularly popular in Lyon, a city often referred to as the gastronomic capital of France. The addition of cheese, interestingly, is a relatively modern intervention that has certainly elevated the dish to a beloved classic in French cuisine. Bravo to the transformation of simple onions into a gastronomical delight! The humble onion, when carefully caramelized to a deep, rich brown, possesses a sweetly complex flavor that many a gourmand relishes.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.