Indulge in the comforting flavors of French cuisine with our delectable French Pearl Onion Soup recipe. This hearty and satisfying soup features tender pearl onions, caramelized yellow onions, fragrant herbs, and a splash of red wine, all simmered in a savory beef broth and topped with gooey melted cheese and crispy croutons. Perfect for a cozy evening at home or impressing guests at a dinner party, this soup is sure to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. So, let’s dive into the delicious world of French cooking and savor every spoonful of this exquisite soup!
Ingredients
Soup
- 1 (14.4 oz.) bag frozen pearl onions, thawed and drained
- 4 large yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup preferred red wine
- 2 (32 oz.) containers beef stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups Swiss or Gruyere cheese, grated
Croutons
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Prepare the Soup
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced yellow onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried sage, and dried thyme, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pot with balsamic vinegar and red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the thawed pearl onions, beef stock, bay leaves, kosher salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the Croutons
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick slices and place them on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Brush the melted butter mixture onto both sides of the bread slices.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the croutons are golden and crispy.
Serve the Soup
- Remove the bay leaves from the soup and discard.
- Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or ramekins.
- Top each bowl of soup with a handful of grated Swiss or Gruyere cheese.
- Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and place a few crispy croutons on top of each bowl of soup.
- Serve hot and enjoy the rich and savory flavors of French Pearl Onion Soup!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute vegetable broth for the beef stock and omit the bacon for a vegetarian version of this soup.
- Creamy Variation: For a creamy version of this soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, parsley, or tarragon to customize the flavor of the soup.
- Meat Additions: Add cooked bacon, ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to the soup for added protein and flavor.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use fresh pearl onions instead of frozen? A: Yes, you can use fresh pearl onions if they are in season and available. Simply peel and trim the fresh pearl onions before adding them to the soup.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: What can I use instead of red wine? A: If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with beef broth or additional beef stock for added flavor.
Keto Version
For a keto-friendly version of this French Pearl Onion Soup, omit the croutons or use low-carb bread for the croutons. Reduce the amount of onions and carrots to lower the carb content, and use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol instead of balsamic vinegar.
Low-Carb Version
To make a low-carb version, omit the pearl onions and carrots entirely and use a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum to thicken the soup. Replace the French bread croutons with almond flour or coconut flour crackers for a crunchy topping.
In conclusion, our French Pearl Onion Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that celebrates the rich flavors of French cuisine. With its tender pearl onions, caramelized yellow onions, fragrant herbs, and savory beef broth, this soup is a true delight for the senses. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner or served as an elegant appetizer at a dinner party, this soup is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and savor the exquisite flavors of French cooking with this delectable soup recipe!
