French Onion Soup is a rich and comforting dish with deeply caramelized onions, savory broth, and a gooey cheese topping. Here’s a classic recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large onions (yellow or sweet), thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to aid caramelization)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 2 cups water (optional, to dilute if needed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4-6 slices of French baguette or crusty bread
- 1-2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
Instructions:
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Caramelize the onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning. Adding a teaspoon of sugar can help with caramelization.
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Add garlic and seasoning: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Deglaze and add broth: If using white wine, add it to the pot and cook for about 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the beef broth (and water if you prefer a lighter soup). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaf.
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Season: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Prepare the bread and cheese: While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the slices of bread on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
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Assemble and broil: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl, and generously sprinkle with grated cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
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Serve: Let the soup cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your classic French Onion Soup with its deliciously rich flavors and melted cheese topping!
