French Onion Soup is a classic and delicious soup that is popular worldwide. It’s known for its rich and flavorful broth made from caramelized onions and often topped with melted cheese and toasted bread. Here’s a basic recipe for making French Onion Soup:
Ingredients:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps with caramelization)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- French baguette or bread slices
- Gruyère or Swiss cheese, grated
Instructions:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar. Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized, which can take about 30-40 minutes.
- Once the onions are caramelized and have a rich brown color, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- If you’re using white wine, pour it into the pot and deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the beef or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Slice the French baguette or bread into thick rounds and toast them lightly in the oven.
- Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted bread round on top of each bowl of soup, and then sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese on top.
- Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly and slightly browned, which usually takes 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the cheese.
- Serve the French Onion Soup hot, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley, if desired.
Enjoy this warm and comforting soup with its hearty, savory flavors and gooey, melted cheese on top. It’s a favorite in French cuisine and makes for a satisfying meal, especially during colder months.
