Classic French Onion Soup Recipe (Soupe à l’Oignon)
French Onion Soup is a timeless comfort food that boasts a rich, savory flavor profile, thanks to the slow-caramelized onions and the perfect balance of cheese and broth. This warm, hearty soup is ideal for any chilly day, offering the soothing essence of traditional French cuisine. Let’s dive into how you can prepare this classic dish in the comfort of your home!
Ingredients:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional but recommended for depth of flavor)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced into rounds
- 1 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese as an alternative)
Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by heating 3 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the 4 large yellow onions, which should be thinly sliced. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt. The sugar helps in the caramelization process, ensuring the onions turn golden brown and develop a sweet, rich flavor.
Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes. You’ll need to adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning, stirring the onions regularly. The goal is for the onions to cook down slowly, releasing their natural sugars and becoming soft and deeply caramelized. Patience is key in this step!
2. Add Garlic and Deglaze:
Once the onions have reached a rich, golden brown color, add the 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. This will allow the garlic to release its aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall depth of the soup.
Next, pour in the 1 cup of dry white wine (optional), which will help deglaze the pot. Scrape up any browned bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pot. Allow the wine to simmer for about 5 minutes or until it is mostly reduced. This step adds complexity to the soup’s flavor and enhances its richness.
3. Add Broth and Seasoning:
Now, add 4 cups of beef broth (or vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version). Stir in the 1 bay leaf and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This will help develop the soup’s depth and ensure that the onions and broth are perfectly infused.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference. The soup should be savory, with a rich, complex flavor profile that balances the sweetness of the caramelized onions with the savory broth.
4. Prepare the Baguette Croutons:
While the soup is simmering, it’s time to prepare the croutons. Preheat your oven broiler. Slice a baguette into rounds, about ½ inch thick. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and broil them for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on the croutons to prevent burning.
Once the croutons are crispy, set them aside to add to the soup later.
5. Assemble and Serve:
Once the soup is ready, it’s time to assemble the final dish. Ladle the hot onion soup into oven-safe bowls, filling them generously. Place the crispy baguette croutons on top of the soup in each bowl. Then, sprinkle 1 ½ cups of grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese) over the croutons and soup.
To melt the cheese, place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Be sure to watch closely, as cheese can burn quickly under the broiler.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the bowls from the oven carefully (they will be hot!) and serve your French Onion Soup immediately. The rich, savory broth, paired with the sweetness of caramelized onions and the golden, melted cheese, makes for a truly comforting meal.
Tips:
- If you don’t have Gruyère cheese, Swiss cheese is a great alternative. Both cheeses melt beautifully and add a creamy, savory layer to the soup.
- Beef broth is traditional in French Onion Soup, but vegetable broth can be used for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can skip the white wine and use an extra splash of broth.
- Serve this soup with a side of fresh salad or a light sandwich for a more filling meal.
Conclusion:
This French Onion Soup recipe is a classic, offering a perfect balance of savory flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re serving it as a starter at a dinner party or enjoying it as a cozy meal on a chilly day, this soup is sure to impress. With slow-caramelized onions, rich broth, and a layer of melted cheese, it’s a dish that brings warmth and happiness to the table. Bon appétit!