French onion soup is a classic dish known for its rich, savory flavor and caramelized onions. Here’s a simple recipe to make French onion soup at home:
Ingredients:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 4-6 slices of baguette or French bread
- 1-2 cups shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Sprinkle the caramelized onions with sugar, salt, and black pepper, and stir to combine. This helps to enhance the sweetness and flavor of the onions.
- Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes to create a roux and thicken the soup.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth and dry white wine (if using), stirring constantly to combine. Add the bay leaf.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange the slices of baguette or French bread on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until lightly golden brown on both sides.
- Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Place a toasted slice of baguette or French bread on top of each bowl of soup.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese over the toasted bread slices and soup.
- Place the bowls of soup under the broiler and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Remove the bowls of French onion soup from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Enjoy this delicious and comforting French onion soup as a starter or light meal, served hot and bubbly with a crusty slice of bread and gooey melted cheese on top.