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French Onion soup

The Best French Onion Soup Recipe

From perfectly caramelized onions to gooey Gruyère, this French Onion Soup Recipe is the perfect way to warm up on those cold winter days.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 153 kcal

Equipment

  • 4-6 oven safe bowls needs to be able to go under the broiler

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 lbs  yellow onions, thinly sliced about 4 large onions
  • 4 tbs unsalted butter
  • 2 tbs olive oil
  • 2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Baguette slices
  • Gruyère cheese, grated

Instructions
 

Caramelize Onions

  • Heat butter and olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat.
  • Add thinly sliced onions and sprinkle sugar to aid caramelization.
  • Stir occasionally until onions turn deep golden brown (45 minutes to an hour).
  • Stir in minced garlic and dried thyme, allowing flavors to meld for a couple of minutes.
  • Pour in white wine, scraping the pot bottom to release caramelized bits.
  • Simmer until the wine has mostly evaporated.
  • Pour in beef broth, season with salt and pepper, bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Cook for an additional 30 minutes to meld and intensify flavors.

Prepare the Cheesy Topping

  • Preheat oven's broiler.
  • Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, toast under the broiler until golden brown.

Serve

  • Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls.
  • Place toasted baguette slices on top and generously sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese over each bowl.
  • Place bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, achieving the perfect golden crust.
  • Carefully remove bowls from the oven, allowing them to cool for a moment before serving.

Notes

  1. Choose the Right Onions: Opt for yellow onions as they have a balanced sweetness and acidity, perfect for caramelization. Avoid using red onions, as they may impart a different flavor profile.
  2. Patience is Key: Caramelizing onions is a slow process that cannot be rushed. Low and slow heat is crucial for achieving that deep, rich flavor. Stir the onions regularly to prevent burning but allow them ample time to turn a beautiful golden brown.
  3. Balance Sweet and Savory: Adding a small amount of sugar during the caramelization process helps enhance the sweetness of the onions. This balances the savory flavors in the soup, creating a well-rounded taste.
  4. Play with Cheese Varieties: While Gruyère is the traditional choice for topping French Onion Soup, you can experiment with other cheeses like Emmental, Swiss, or even a combination of cheeses for a unique twist.
  5. Wine Selection: The white wine you choose can impact the overall flavor of the soup. Opt for a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio to add depth without overwhelming the dish.
  6. Add Depth with Thyme: Dried thyme complements the sweetness of the onions and adds a subtle earthy note to the soup. Fresh thyme can also be used but adjust the quantity accordingly.
  7. Oven-Safe Bowls: Make sure the bowls you use for serving are oven-safe. This allows you to melt the cheese under the broiler, achieving that classic bubbly and golden crust.
  8. Broil Just Before Serving: Broil the cheese just before serving to ensure it remains hot and gooey. This also prevents the cheese from becoming rubbery, offering the perfect texture for each spoonful.

Nutrition

Calories: 153kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 1193mgPotassium: 191mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 240IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
Keyword classic french onion soup, easy french onion soup, french onion soup, onion soup', soup, soup recipe
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