French onion soup recipe

French onion soup is a quintessential comfort food that has been delighting palates for centuries. This rich and flavorful soup originated as a humble peasant dish, made with just onions, stale bread, and water. Over time, it has evolved into a sophisticated culinary delight, characterized by its deep, caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and the perfect balance of melted cheese and toasted bread. The cultural significance of French onion soup lies in its ability to evoke warmth and nostalgia, making it a staple at many restaurants and home kitchens. The key to this soup’s success lies in the slow and deliberate caramelization of the onions, which transforms them into a sweet and savory base for the broth. This recipe combines traditional techniques with modern simplicity, ensuring that every bowl is filled with the essence of French cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced (approximately 5–6 large onions)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 small baguette, cut into ½-inch slices
• 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (about 2 heaping cups; look for one imported from Switzerland)
• ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the oil, onions, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized, 45 to 55 minutes. In the beginning, you will only need to stir the onions occasionally. As they start to brown midway through cooking, you’ll need to stir them more frequently, scraping the fond (the brown particles) from the bottom of the pan. If the onions are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly or add a few tablespoons of water to deglaze the pan and continue cooking.

2. Deglaze with Wine: Add the wine and raise the heat to high. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape any fond from the bottom of the pan, until almost all of the liquid has evaporated and the onions are jammy, 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Add Flour and Broth: Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for one minute. Then, add the broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

4. Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for at least 10 minutes. Discard the bay leaves and sprigs of thyme.

5. Toast the Bread: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and bake for 6-8 minutes, until toasted and golden around the edges.

6. Assemble and Broil: Just before serving, preheat the broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and top each with a toasted baguette slice and a generous amount of grated cheese. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-4 minutes.

Top Tips:

1. Patience is Key: Caramelizing onions is a slow process, but it’s essential for the flavor and texture of the soup. Keep an eye on the onions and stir them frequently to prevent burning.

2. Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your broth and cheese can make a significant difference in the final taste of the soup. Use a good beef broth and high-quality cheese for the best results.

3. Don’t Overcook the Onions: While it’s tempting to speed up the caramelization process, overcooking the onions can make them bitter. Stir them frequently and adjust the heat as needed.

4. Deglaze Properly: Deglazing the pan with wine helps to scrape off the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, adding depth to the soup.

5. Toast Bread Just Right: Toasting the bread until it’s golden brown but not too dark ensures it stays crunchy and pairs perfectly with the melted cheese.

6. Experiment with Cheese: While Gruyère is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan or even a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor.

Variations:

1. Chicken Broth Version: Use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter and slightly sweeter version of the soup.

2. Red Wine Addition: Add a splash of red wine for a deeper, richer flavor.

3. Garlic Infusion: Mince garlic and sauté it with the onions for an added layer of flavor.

4. Herb Variations: Use different herbs like rosemary or thyme for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

5. Cheese Blend: Combine Gruyère with other cheeses like Parmesan or Cheddar for a richer, more complex flavor profile.

6. Bread Options: Use rustic bread or even crostini for a different texture and flavor.

Nutritional Guide:

Additional Nutritional Notes: This recipe is relatively high in calories due to the butter and cheese, but it is also rich in fiber and antioxidants from the onions. To make it healthier, consider using less butter and cheese or substituting with lower-fat alternatives. Additionally, using homemade broth can significantly reduce the sodium content compared to store-bought broth.