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French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup
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French Onion Soup is a timeless comfort food classic featuring deeply caramelized yellow onions, rich beef or vegetable broth, and a golden, melted Gruyere cheese topping on toasted baguette slices. This hearty soup delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors, ideal for cozy dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or brandy
  • 6 cups beef broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Toppings

  • 1 baguette, sliced
  • 2 cups Gruyere cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions and cook them slowly in butter over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until the onions turn golden brown and soft, releasing their natural sweetness. This process usually takes about 40 minutes and is essential for building the soup’s flavor.
  2. Deglaze the Pan: Add dry white wine or brandy to the pan with the caramelized onions. This lifts the flavorful browned bits from the bottom and adds brightness to balance the sweetness of the onions.
  3. Add the Broth and Herbs: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth along with the fresh thyme sprigs and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  4. Prepare the Bread and Cheese: While the soup simmers, slice the baguette and toast the slices until crisp. Grate the Gruyere cheese to prepare for the cheesy topping.
  5. Assemble and Broil: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, place toasted baguette slices on top, and heap with grated Gruyere cheese. Place the bowls under a broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, then serve immediately for best gooey texture.

Notes

  • Take your time caramelizing the onions to develop deep sweetness and avoid bitterness.
  • Use a high-quality broth for a rich, flavorful base.
  • Don’t skip the deglazing step; it adds essential layers of flavor.
  • Watch the cheese closely under the broiler to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden crust.
  • Serve the soup immediately after broiling for best taste and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Soup, caramelized onions, Gruyere, comfort food, soup recipe, classic French soup

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