French Onion Soup Recipe

This Classic French Onion Soup is a timeless favorite, known for its deep, savory flavors and comforting richness. The dish begins with the slow caramelization of onions, a process that draws out their natural sweetness and develops a complex, rich flavor.

Coupled with a robust homemade beef broth infused with aromatic herbs, this soup offers a warm and satisfying experience. Topped with melted cheese and served with crusty garlic-infused bread, it becomes a luxurious treat perfect for cozy evenings or a sophisticated starter at dinner parties.

Whether enjoyed on its own or with a glass of wine, this French Onion Soup is a culinary delight that captures the essence of traditional French cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Rich and Deep Flavors: The slow caramelization of onions develops a sweet, complex depth of flavor that is the hallmark of a great French onion soup. This rich taste profile is both comforting and indulgent.

Homemade Beef Broth: Using a homemade beef broth adds a layer of authenticity and richness to the soup. The broth, simmered with beef ribs and herbs, provides a robust base that elevates the overall taste experience.

Comforting and Satisfying: This soup is the epitome of comfort food. Its warmth and hearty ingredients make it perfect for cozying up on a cold day, offering both physical and emotional satisfaction.

Versatile Presentation: Whether topped with melted cheese and served gratinée-style or accompanied by crusty garlic bread on the side, the soup can be customized to suit various preferences, making it versatile for different dining settings.

A Timeless Classic: French onion soup is a beloved classic in culinary traditions worldwide, appreciated for its simplicity and elegance. It brings a touch of French sophistication to any table, making it a favorite for both casual meals and special occasions.

Key Ingredients:

Yellow Onions: The star of the soup, yellow onions are slowly caramelized to develop their natural sweetness and deep flavor. This process creates the rich, savory base that defines the soup.

Homemade Beef Broth: Made from simmering beef ribs with onions, garlic, and herbs, this broth forms the robust foundation of the soup, infusing it with a hearty and aromatic essence.

Unsalted Butter and Oil: These fats are essential for the caramelization process, helping to evenly cook the onions and enhance their flavor.

Flour: Used to slightly thicken the soup, flour is incorporated after caramelizing the onions, creating a smooth and velvety texture.

Cheese (Provolone or Gruyère): When melted over the soup, this cheese adds a creamy, savory layer that complements the sweet onions and rich broth. Its bubbly, golden top is a signature feature of traditional French onion soup.

Crusty French Bread: Whether served on top or alongside the soup, crusty bread adds texture and serves as the perfect vehicle for soaking up the flavorful broth.

French Onion Soup Recipe

Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of this classic French Onion Soup, a delightful dish perfect for a cozy meal. With its deep caramelized onions and homemade beef broth, this soup offers a deliciously complex taste that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs yellow onions, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon sugar

3 tablespoons flour

4 cups homemade beef broth (prepared with beef ribs, onions, garlic, yellow squash, zucchini, thyme, and rosemary simmered for 3-4 hours and strained)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh thyme for garnish

Provolone or Gruyère cheese (optional, for topping)

Crusty French bread slices

Butter

1 clove raw garlic, sliced

Instructions:

Caramelize the Onions:

In a large, covered pan, melt the butter with the oil over medium-low heat.

Add the sliced onions and cook slowly for about 15 minutes, allowing them to soften and start to release their juices.
Increase the heat to medium and add the salt and sugar.

Stir frequently, and continue cooking the onions for an additional 40-50 minutes, until they become a rich, deep brown color.

This step is crucial for developing the soup’s signature flavor.

Prepare the Soup Base:

Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir continuously for about 3 minutes to cook the flour and thicken the mixture slightly.

Remove the pan from the heat, and gradually add the homemade beef broth, stirring to combine. Return the pan to low heat.

Simmer the Soup:

Partially cover the pan and let the soup simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve and Garnish:

Ladle the soup into bowls. If desired, top each serving with a slice of crusty French bread and a layer of provolone or Gruyère cheese. Place under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and has brown spots.

Alternatively, serve the bread on the side. Spread butter on the slices, sprinkle with thyme, and toast until golden. Rub each slice with a raw garlic clove for added flavor.

Enjoy:

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Garnish the soup with fresh thyme and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this classic French Onion Soup.

Notes:

Onion Caramelization: The key to a great French onion soup is patience when caramelizing the onions. Allow them to cook slowly over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. This process can take up to an hour or more, but it is essential for developing the deep, sweet flavor that defines the soup.

Choosing the Broth: Homemade beef broth is ideal for this recipe as it adds richness and depth. However, if time is a constraint, you can use a high-quality store-bought beef broth. Look for one with low sodium to better control the seasoning.

Adjusting Consistency: If the soup is too thick after adding the flour, you can thin it with additional beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken.

Cheese Selection: Provolone and Gruyère are traditional choices for topping the soup, known for their excellent melting properties and rich flavors. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss or Emmental for a different taste.

Serving Suggestions: To enhance the dining experience, serve the soup with a side of crusty garlic bread. Rub slices of French bread with a raw garlic clove after toasting, and sprinkle with fresh thyme for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating: Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to achieve the right consistency.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I achieve the perfect caramelization for the onions?

The key to perfectly caramelized onions is patience.

Cook the onions slowly over low to medium heat, stirring often.

This process can take up to an hour or more, but it’s essential for developing the deep, sweet flavor that defines French onion soup.

Avoid rushing by using high heat, as this can lead to burning rather than caramelization.

Can I use a different type of onion instead of yellow onions?

While yellow onions are traditional for their balance of sweetness and flavor, you can use other types like white or sweet onions.

Each variety will impart a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on your preference or availability.

Is it necessary to use homemade beef broth?

Homemade beef broth is recommended for its depth of flavor and richness, but it’s not strictly necessary.

You can use a high-quality store-bought beef broth.

Choose a low-sodium variety to better control the seasoning in your soup.

What can I do if my soup is too salty?

If your soup turns out too salty, try adding a little more water or unsalted broth to dilute the saltiness.

You can also add a peeled, raw potato to the soup and simmer for a while; it will absorb some of the salt.

Remove the potato before serving.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the beef broth with a rich vegetable broth or mushroom broth for added depth.

Ensure the broth is well-seasoned, as it will be the main flavor base for the soup.

You can use a vegetable-based cheese or omit the cheese topping to keep it vegetarian.

How do I prevent the onions from burning during caramelization?

To prevent burning, cook the onions over low to medium heat and stir them frequently.

The process should be slow and steady, allowing the onions to release their moisture and gradually turn a rich, golden brown.

If they start to stick, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan and loosen any browned bits.

What type of wine pairs well with French Onion Soup?

A nice dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, pairs well with French Onion Soup, complementing its rich flavors without overpowering them.

Alternatively, a light red wine like Pinot Noir can also be a good match, enhancing the savory notes of the soup.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses. While Gruyère and Provolone are traditional choices due to their excellent melting properties and flavor, Swiss, Emmental, or even a sharp cheddar can be used for a different taste.

Each cheese will bring its unique character to the dish.

How can I make the soup less greasy?

If you find the soup too greasy, particularly from the cheese, you can skim off excess fat from the top with a spoon.

Additionally, using low-fat cheese or reducing the amount of butter used to caramelize the onions can help reduce greasiness while still maintaining flavor.

What is the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

If you’ve added cheese, consider reheating without the cheese and adding it fresh when serving to maintain its texture and flavor.