The combination of sweet, caramelized onions, savory broth, and the gooey texture of melted cheese makes French Onion Soup a beloved comfort food. It's a warming dish often enjoyed during colder months and is a popular appetizer or light meal in French cuisine.
French onion soup is a classic dish that's both comforting and flavorful. Here's a basic recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Caramelize the onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized. This process can take about 30-40 minutes.
Add garlic and sugar: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and sugar to the pot. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
Deglaze the pot (optional): If using white wine, pour it into the pot and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine cook for a few minutes until it has reduced slightly.
Add the broth: Pour the beef or vegetable broth into the pot with the onions. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the bread and cheese: While the soup is simmering, preheat your broiler. Arrange the sliced baguette or French bread on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until lightly golden on both sides. Remove from the oven and sprinkle each slice with grated Gruyere cheese.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of cheese-topped bread on top of each bowl of soup. Place the bowls under the broiler for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Garnish and serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, carefully remove the bowls from the broiler. Garnish each bowl with fresh thyme leaves if desired, and serve hot.
Enjoy your homemade French onion soup!
