Indulge in the comforting embrace of a classic French dish with our recipe for French Onion Soup. This hearty soup, bursting with the savory sweetness of caramelized onions and topped with gooey melted cheese, is sure to warm your soul on even the chilliest of days. Join us as we guide you through the steps to create this culinary masterpiece, along with tips, variations, and keto and low-carb versions to suit every taste preference.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 large yellow onions, sliced in half and cut from pole to pole in no greater than 1/4 inch slices
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup dry white or red wine (see notes)
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth or beef stock
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Crostinis or large croutons
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions:
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Add the Garlic and Thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the dry white or red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
- Add the Broth: Stir in the beef broth, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Crostinis: While the soup is simmering, preheat the broiler and arrange the crostinis or large croutons on a baking sheet. Sprinkle each crostini with a generous amount of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
- Broil the Soup: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls and place them on a baking sheet. Carefully top each bowl with a prepared crostini.
- Broil until Golden and Bubbly: Transfer the baking sheet to the broiler and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the soup from the broiler and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s explore some tips and variations to elevate your French Onion Soup experience:
- Use Sweet Onions: For a milder flavor, you can use sweet onions such as Vidalia or Walla Walla instead of yellow onions.
- Add a Splash of Brandy: For an extra layer of complexity, add a splash of brandy to the soup along with the wine.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute vegetable broth for the beef and chicken broth to create a vegetarian version of this soup.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Gruyère and Swiss cheese are traditional choices, you can also try topping the soup with Parmesan, fontina, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some modifications you can make to adapt this recipe:
- Omit the Wine: Skip the wine altogether or replace it with additional beef broth to reduce the carb content of the soup.
- Use Low-Carb Croutons: Replace the crostinis or large croutons with low-carb alternatives made from almond flour or coconut flour.
- Adjust the Onions: Reduce the amount of onions used in the recipe to lower the carb count, or replace some of the onions with low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower or bell peppers.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
As you embark on your French Onion Soup journey, you may have some questions. Here are answers to some common queries:
Q: Can I use red wine instead of white wine in this recipe? A: Yes, you can use either dry white or red wine, depending on your preference. Red wine will add a deeper color and flavor to the soup.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler? A: Keep a close eye on the soup while it’s under the broiler to prevent the cheese from burning. Broil just until the cheese is golden and bubbly, then remove it from the oven immediately.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving, then broil the cheese-topped crostinis just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze leftover soup? A: While the soup can be frozen, the texture of the onions and broth may change slightly upon reheating. It’s best to enjoy the soup fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.
Q: What can I serve with French Onion Soup? A: French Onion Soup pairs well with a crusty baguette or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
In conclusion, French Onion Soup is a timeless classic that never fails to impress with its rich flavors and comforting warmth. With our easy-to-follow recipe and helpful tips, you can create a restaurant-quality soup right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal on a chilly evening or hosting a special gathering with loved ones, this soup is sure to delight and satisfy. So gather your ingredients, don your apron, and prepare to savor the deliciousness of homemade French Onion Soup. Cheers to good food and joyful gatherings!
