🧅 Classic French Onion Soup
📝 Ingredients:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional but recommended)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 slices of baguette or French bread, toasted
- 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (Swiss or Emmental as alternative)
🍲 Description:
French Onion Soup is a rich, savory broth-based dish layered with slow-cooked caramelized onions, herbs, and broth, topped with toasted bread and melted Gruyère cheese. It’s both rustic and indulgent, with deep flavor from the caramelized onions and beef broth, balanced by the creaminess of the cheese and crunch of toasted bread.
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Caramelize Onions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30–40 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. - Add Aromatics:
Stir in the garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another 1–2 minutes. - Deglaze:
Add wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up brown bits for flavor. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. - Add Broth & Simmer:
Pour in the beef and chicken broths. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf. - Toast Bread:
Toast baguette slices until crisp and golden. Set aside. - Assemble & Broil:
Preheat the broiler. Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a toasted bread slice, and sprinkle generously with Gruyère. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly (2–4 minutes).
📝 Notes:
- For vegetarian version, substitute mushroom or vegetable broth and skip the beef and chicken broth.
- Gruyère is traditional, but mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone are acceptable alternatives.
- Slow caramelization is key—don’t rush the onions!
💡 Tips:
- Stir onions every few minutes to avoid burning.
- Add a pinch of sugar during caramelization to speed up browning.
- Make the soup ahead and refrigerate; it tastes even better the next day.
- Use stale bread—it holds up better under the broiler.
🍽️ Servings:
Makes 4 generous servings.
🔢 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.):
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Calcium: 200mg
(Note: Values can vary depending on specific ingredients.)
✅ Health Benefits:
- Onions are rich in antioxidants and compounds that support heart health and immunity.
- Broth-based soups can be hydrating and filling with fewer calories.
- Gruyère cheese adds calcium and protein, though it’s best consumed in moderation.
- Makes a great comfort food that warms and satisfies.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! The soup can be made 2–3 days in advance. Just reheat and broil with bread and cheese before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of wine?
A: A splash of white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even a bit of lemon juice can replicate the acidity.
Q: Can it be frozen?
A: Absolutely! Freeze the soup base (without the bread and cheese) for up to 2 months.
Q: Is French Onion Soup still popular?
A: While trends come and go, this soup remains a staple in French cuisine and beloved worldwide for its deep flavor and comforting texture.