French Onion Soup a Classic Done Right
Recipe Introduction
Ever crave a bowl of something that just hugs you from the inside out? I do! That's why I'm sharing this recipe.
It is one of the good soup recipes in my cooking repertoire. It's a classic French Onion Soup, but with a few tweaks to make it truly special.
Get Hooked on This Soup
Forget those watery, bland versions you might have had. This is the real deal . We are talking about deep, rich flavor from perfectly caramelized onions.
It is simmered in beefy goodness, with a touch of sherry and bubbling Gruyère. This is the comfort food soup recipes that you crave.
French Onion Soup: A Little Bit of France in Your Kitchen
French Onion Soup, or Soupe à l'oignon gratinée , hails from France. It was originally a peasant dish, but is now a bistro favourite.
Our recipe makes about 6 servings. It's a medium difficulty, taking around 2 hours 10 minutes from start to finish.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This French bistro soup recipes is more than just a meal. The warm soup recipes are a hug in a bowl.
This beef broth soup recipes is packed with flavour. Did you know that onions are a good source of vitamin C? This soup is perfect for a cozy night in, or impressing your friends.
It brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. I truly believe this Authentic French onion soup is one of the best winter soup recipes you will ever try.
Alright, let's get this show on the road and talk about the ingredients you'll need.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Stocked Up!
Right, before we dive headfirst into making this French onion soup recipe easy , let's make sure we've got all our bits and bobs sorted.
Trust me, there’s nothing worse than realizing you're out of sherry halfway through. Been there, done that!
Main Ingredients The Heart of the Matter
Okay, here’s the breakdown. We need:
- 3 pounds (1.4 kg) of yellow onions, thinly sliced. Seriously, the more the merrier. Look for firm, heavy onions with tight skins. That's how you know they’re fresh.
- 4 tablespoons (57g) of unsalted butter. Go for a good quality butter. It makes a difference.
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil. Extra virgin if you have it.
- 1 teaspoon (5g) of granulated sugar. This helps the caramelization along.
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) of kosher salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) of freshly ground black pepper.
- 8 cups (approximately 1.9 liters) of beef broth . This is where it's going to be one of those beef broth soup recipes . Use good quality beef broth. It will truly add the best flavor.
- 1 cup (240 ml) of dry sherry . Adds a lovely depth.
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme.
- 2 bay leaves.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Worcestershire sauce.
- 6 slices of baguette, about 1 inch thick.
- 2 cups (approximately 200g) of grated Gruyère cheese . This is crucial, don't scrimp!
Seasoning Notes The Secret Sauces
Thyme and bay leaves are a must! Worcestershire sauce adds a savory richness. It's magic, honestly! Sherry is the real deal in the flavor that sets apart a authentic French onion soup .
Don't have sherry? Dry red wine or a splash of balsamic will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed Keep it Simple!
You'll need a large, heavy bottomed Dutch oven or stockpot. Think 6-quart capacity at least . You will also need oven safe bowls or ramekins and a baking sheet.
Don't have ramekins? Any oven safe bowl will do!
Listen, finding the best warm soup recipes sometimes boils down to having the right tools. It's like having the proper spanners to change your car tires, right? Don't be afraid to substitute what you have for what you don't! Happy cooking and creating good soup recipes !
French Onion Soup: A Classic Done Right
Want some proper comfort food soup recipes ? Honestly, there's nothing quite like a bowl of French Onion Soup. It's a hug in a bowl, perfect for those best winter soup recipes .
I'm talking deeply caramelized onions, rich beef broth soup recipes , a splash of sherry, and loads of gooey Gruyère.
Let’s get cracking!
Prep Like a Pro
Getting organized is key. First, slice your 3 pounds of onions. I know, it's a lot! Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your big pot.
Measure out 1 cup of dry sherry. Chop those baguette slices and grate the 2 cups of Gruyère. Mise en place, baby! You got this! Remember, safety first! Use a sharp knife and watch your fingers.
Let's Get Souping: step-by-step
This French onion soup recipe easy is a labor of love, but so worth it.
- Caramelize those onions: In your pot, add the onions, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of pepper. Cook on medium low for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring often. Visual Cue: Dark, dark brown and reduced by half .
- Deglaze like a Boss: Pour in 1 cup of sherry. Scrape up all the yummy brown bits.
- Broth Time: Add 8 cups of beef broth, 2 sprigs of thyme, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer, Simmer: Reduce heat. Simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer, the better.
- Toast the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Bake 6 slices of baguette for 5- 7 minutes. You can rub them with garlic first for extra flavor!
- Assemble and Broil: Ladle soup into oven safe bowls. Top with a toasted baguette and plenty of Gruyère. Broil until bubbly, about 2- 3 minutes. Watch it like a hawk !
- Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Authentic French onion soup
Want to nail it? Don't rush the onions! Low and slow is essential. Second, don't skip the sherry. It adds depth of flavor.
Lastly, the soup base can be made a day ahead.
One common mistake is not caramelizing the onions enough. Trust me, it's worth the extra time and patience. You can try sausage soup recipes another day.
This time let's focus on how to achieve this classic French flavors! You can also use wine, balsamic vinegar, provolone or swiss cheese as the substitutes.
If you are planning something different you can try the Warm Soup Recipes or French bistro soup recipes
Let me know if you try it! I am looking forward to hearing what you think!
Recipe Notes
Right, let's talk nitty gritty about this French Onion Soup. It's not just about following a recipe; it's about making it your own .
And I get it. Life happens, ingredients run out, and dietary needs change. No worries, I have got your back!
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!
Honestly, this French bistro soup recipes is all about the cozy vibes, innit? Ladle that gorgeous soup into oven safe bowls.
Then top with your cheesy toast. Want to be fancy? A sprinkle of fresh thyme never hurt anyone. For a side? A simple green salad is perfect.
A glass of red wine? Even better. Think Beaujolais or Burgundy.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Listen, good soup recipes are the best kinda leftovers. This warm soup recipes can hang out in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make sure to let the caramelized onion soup cool completely. Then pop it into an airtight container. Want to freeze it? You totally can! Just leave out the bread and cheese.
Add those fresh when you reheat. To reheat, gently simmer on the stove. You can even microwave it if you are in a hurry.
Variations: Make it Yours
Need a veggie option? Swapping beef broth for vegetable broth is easy peasy. Loads of people want Comfort food soup recipes , that are safe for vegatarians! Want a little kick? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
If you want to try a French Onion Soup with White Wine Recipe? Try substituting the sherry for a dry white wine.
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food
Okay, let's be real, this isn't exactly a salad. But, it is soul warming. One serving has around 450 calories. Loads of that comes from the cheese and bread.
It's also got about 25g of protein. Hello, beef broth! This Beef broth soup recipes are important. Plus, onions are packed with good stuff for you.
So, yeah, it's a treat, but a good one.
So, there you have it. My notes on French Onion Soup. It's all about taking a classic and making it work for you.
Don't be afraid to experiment! I cannot wait for you to try my Sausage Soup Recipes . Get in the kitchen and make some Authentic French onion soup .
I promise, you won't regret it. Now get out there and find the Best winter soup recipes to make!. I believe in you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some tips for making really good soup recipes, especially when caramelizing onions? It always seems to take ages!
You're not wrong, caramelizing onions does take time! Patience is key, and don't crank up the heat to rush it. Low and slow is the secret aim for a medium low heat and stir them regularly to prevent burning.
A pinch of sugar and salt at the beginning helps draw out moisture and speed up the process, similar to how you'd brine a chicken for roasting.
Can I make this French Onion Soup ahead of time? Like, I want to be a domestic goddess, but I'm also a busy bee!
Absolutely! The soup base itself (before you add the bread and cheese) can be made a day or two in advance. In fact, the flavors often meld together even better overnight, like a good stew. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and then assemble and broil when you're ready to serve it.
Think of it as your "get out of jail free" card for dinner parties.
I don't have Gruyère cheese. Can I substitute something else? It's a bit pricey, innit?
Yes, absolutely! Gruyère is the classic choice, but a good quality Provolone or Swiss cheese will work just fine and give you that lovely cheesy pull. You could even use a combination of cheeses. As long as it melts well and has a slightly nutty flavour, you're on the right track.
Nobody wants a cheese scandal at their dinner party!
What if I want a vegetarian version of this French Onion Soup? Can good soup recipes still be meat free?
Of course! Simply substitute the beef broth with a good quality vegetable broth. Look for one that's rich and flavorful, not just watery. You could also add a splash of soy sauce or tamari for an extra umami boost.
You might miss the depth of the beef broth, but a well made vegetarian version can be just as satisfying and comforting, like a hug in a bowl.
Can I freeze leftover French Onion Soup? I always make too much!
You can freeze the soup base (without the bread and cheese) for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat on the stovetop.
Then you can add fresh bread and cheese and broil as directed. Freezing pre-assembled soup is less ideal as the bread becomes soggy.
Is French Onion Soup healthy? I love it, but all that cheese seems a bit naughty!
Let's be honest, French Onion Soup isn't exactly a health food, but everything in moderation, right? It's packed with flavour and does contain onions which are a source of vitamins and antioxidants. To make it a bit healthier, you could use a lower fat cheese, reduce the amount of bread, and use a lower sodium broth.
You could also serve it with a large green salad to balance out the richness, which is like doing a few extra laps around the park after a Sunday roast!
French Onion Soup A Classic Done Right
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbs | 25g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
