French Onion Soup is a classic and comforting dish that features caramelized onions, rich broth, and melted cheese. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Baguette slices
- Gruyère cheese, grated
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 the onions become soft and caramelized. This process may take about 30-40 minutes.
- Sprinkle sugar over the onions to help with the caramelization process.
- Add Garlic and Wine (Optional):
- Once the onions are caramelized, add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- If using, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Simmer with Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf and dried thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for an additional 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Baguette Slices and Cheese:
- While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven broiler.
- Slice the baguette into 1-inch thick pieces and toast them under the broiler until golden brown.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
- Place a slice or two of toasted baguette on top of the soup.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese over the bread.
- Broil to Melt the Cheese:
- Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a golden brown crust.
- Serve Hot:
- Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your delicious French Onion Soup!