French Onion Soup
A warm and comforting French onion soup, featuring sweet caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and gooey cheese, perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced The sweeter, the better for perfect caramelization.
- 2 tablespoons butter Because everything is better with butter!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For depth and added richness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced A hint to elevate the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour Optional, for those who prefer a thicker soup.
- 4 cups beef broth Homemade or low-sodium preferred.
- 1 cup dry white wine Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are great options.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves Or 1/2 teaspoon dried for convenience.
- 1-2 pieces bay leaves A must for aromatic punch.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Adds depth to the flavor.
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper Always season to taste.
- 1/4 cup brandy or cognac Optional, for luxuriousness.
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick slices Baguette For crunchy topping.
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated For the ultimate cheese pull fantasy.
- 1/2 cup Swiss cheese or Emmental, grated Optional, for extra meltiness.
- to garnish Fresh thyme sprigs For elegance.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, cooking slowly while stirring frequently to caramelize.
- Once onions are golden and caramelized after 30-40 minutes, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- If desired, sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well. Cook for one minute for incorporation.
- Pour in the beef broth and white wine, adding thyme, bay leaves, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let bubble for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lay the sliced baguette in a baking dish and toast until golden.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, placing a slice of toasted baguette on top. Go heavy with the Gruyère and optional Swiss cheese.
- Bake the bowls in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly—about 10-15 minutes.
- Once bubbly, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve hot.
Notes
Use quality ingredients for the best flavor. Don’t rush the caramelization of the onions, and season generously as you go. Feel free to mix cheeses for a unique taste.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 12gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g
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