There's something undeniably magical about the smell of onions gently caramelizing in butter, the hint of of thyme and wine infusing the air, and the anticipation of that first spoonful of bubbling soup with a crown of golden, molten cheese. This, my friends, is the essence of French Onion Soup.
French Onion Soup is both a culinary delight and a testament to simplicity in the kitchen. Caramelizing onions to sweet perfection, adding a touch of thyme and the magic of Gruyère cheese – it's a recipe that harmoniously blends ease with exquisite flavors.
Crafting this beloved classic at home is a breeze, allowing you to savor a warm bowl of deliciousness that's both comforting and elegant. With every spoonful, you'll find that homemade French Onion Soup embodies the essence of soup season!
Ingredients:
4 pounds of white or yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 fresh thyme sprigs
8 cups beef stock
1 cup Sauvignon Blanc
2 tablespoons cooking sherry
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
Gruyère cheese, for topping
Baguette slices, toasted and brushed with oil or butter to make croutons
Directions:
Weigh the Onions: Some recipes may call for a number of onions but in order to get the right amount of onion-y goodness I suggest weighing your onions with a kitchen scale. Onions can vary in size so much, it's worth the extra step.
Caramelizing the Onions: Start by melting the butter in a large soup pot over low heat. Add the thinly sliced white onions and stir occasionally until they caramelize and become wonderfully golden and sweet. This process takes time, it will take almost an hour and you need to stay by the stove stirring the onions to prevent scorching. Keep scraping the bottom of the pot when a dark brown frond starts to develop so it doesn't go black.
Aromatics and Deglazing: Introduce a handful of fresh thyme to the caramelized onions right when the onions are almost finished so the heat can draw out the natural oils. Pour in the Sauvignon Blanc and cooking sherry, allowing them to deglaze the pot and release all those rich, flavorful bits that have adhered to the bottom. Reduce the wine and sherry on medium heat for at least 2-3 minutes to cook out the alcohol.
The Roux: Add the flour and stir well for just one minute to create a quick roux to give the soup a little thickness and extra body; if you're gluten free just skip this step.
The Heart of the Soup: Now, it's time for the beef stock. Pour it into the pot, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
The Cheese Crown: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. I use these soup crocks, they're literally designed for French Onion Soup. Place a few toasted baguette croutons on top, and generously sprinkle each bowl with grated Gruyère cheese. You can use another white cheese but Gruyère is the best option for this recipe.
Under the Broiler: Preheat your broiler and place the bowls on a baking sheet. Slide them under the broiler for about 2 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden on top.
Serve and Savor: Carefully remove the bowls from the broiler, and serve your homemade French Onion Soup piping hot.
There's just nothing like the delightful moment when you break through the cheesy crust and dive into the rich, aromatic soup underneath. The cheese pulls are epic, the bread has soaked up the broth, and the deep, rich onion soup all together creates a luscious and satisfying dish that can't be beat.
Homemade French Onion Soup is more than just a recipe; it's a culinary journey through the heart of French cuisine. Once you learn how to make this at home you'll scoff at restaurant versions. It's always better at home.
So, the next time you need a warm hug from your kitchen, consider making a pot of this classic soup. It's a taste of France in every spoonful, and it's the perfect way to elevate your culinary repertoire. Bon appétit!
Let me know if you give this recipe a try! You can tag me in posts and stories, or DM me on Instagram and TikTok @LizaHomesteads!
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