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french onion soup recipe

french onion soup recipe

French Onion Soup is a classic, comforting dish packed with deep flavors of caramelized onions and rich broth, topped with melted cheese and crusty bread. It’s a perfect starter or light meal that will warm your heart.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer
Cuisine French
Servings 4 People
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Ladle
  • 4 Soup bowls or oven-safe crocks
  • 1 Cheese grater
  • 1 Broiler

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large yellow onions About 2 lbs, thinly sliced.
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups beef broth Or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves Or ½ teaspoon dried thyme.
  • 8 slices French baguette
  • 1 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese Or a mix of Gruyère and Swiss cheese.
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together.
  • Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt, stirring well. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally for about 15-20 minutes, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
  • Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for another minute, stirring to combine.
  • Slowly pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any stuck bits. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • Pour in the broth and add the thyme. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for another 20 minutes. Season with pepper to taste.
  • While the soup is simmering, preheat your broiler.
  • Toast the baguette slices until they are golden brown.
  • To serve, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted baguette and sprinkle generously with grated cheese.
  • Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
  • Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and serve hot.

Notes

You can substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or sherry while cooking the onions.
This soup can be made ahead of time. Simply reheat and prepare the cheesy top before serving.