French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast

Description

This luxurious take on French onion soup combines the deep, beefy richness of slow-braised short ribs with the caramelized sweetness of onions. The soup is topped with crispy, golden Gruyère cheese toast, adding a delicious crunch that melts into the flavorful broth. This dish is perfect for cozy nights, special occasions, or when you crave comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Ingredients

For the Short Rib Soup:

• 2 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for extra depth)

For the Gruyère Toast:

• 1 French baguette, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs

1. Pat the short ribs dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the short ribs on all sides until deeply browned (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

4. Reduce heat to medium, add butter, and stir in the sliced onions.
5. Cook slowly for about 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn a deep golden brown.
6. Add garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute.

Step 3: Build the Broth

7. Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
8. Return the short ribs to the pot, then pour in beef broth.
9. Add bay leaf, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar (if using).
10. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2.5–3 hours, until the short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.

Step 4: Shred the Short Ribs

11. Remove the short ribs from the pot and shred the meat, discarding any bones.
12. Return the shredded meat to the soup and stir.

Step 5: Prepare the Gruyère Toast

13. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
14. Brush baguette slices with olive oil or butter and place on a baking sheet.
15. Sprinkle each slice with Gruyère cheese and a pinch of garlic powder.
16. Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

17. Ladle the soup into bowls, top each serving with a Gruyère toast, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this gourmet French onion short rib soup!

Tips for the Best Soup

• Caramelizing onions slowly is key—don’t rush this step! It builds deep, sweet flavors.
• Short ribs need time to braise, so be patient for the most tender meat.
• For extra depth, use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought.
• Make it ahead! The flavors deepen overnight, so this soup tastes even better the next day.

Servings & Nutritional Info

Servings: 4–6

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from the short ribs, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Onions provide antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and boost heart health.
• Beef broth contains collagen, which supports joint and skin health.
• Gruyère cheese adds calcium for strong bones.

Q & A

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

A: Yes! Sear the short ribs and caramelize the onions in a pan first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?

A: Absolutely! Freeze without the bread topping for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Q: What can I use instead of red wine?

A: You can use extra beef broth, balsamic vinegar, or even a splash of pomegranate juice for acidity.

Q: Can I use a different cheese?

A: Yes! While Gruyère is traditional, Swiss, Comté, or even sharp white cheddar work well.

This French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast is the perfect fusion of classic French onion soup and rich, slow-braised beef flavors. Serve it for a cozy dinner and impress your guests with this comforting yet elegant dish! 🍲🧀