French onion soup is a classic dish that combines savory beef broth, caramelized onions, and melted cheese. Here’s a simple recipe to make this comforting soup at home:
Ingredients:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes, or until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized.
- Stir in the minced garlic and granulated sugar, and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- If using, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine cook down for a few minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add the beef broth and bay leaves to the pot, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until they are lightly golden brown on both sides.
- Once the soup is ready, discard the bay leaves. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks, leaving some space at the top.
- Place a few toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl of soup, covering the surface completely.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese over the bread slices, covering them completely.
- Place the soup bowls on a baking sheet and transfer them under the broiler. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove the soup bowls from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, if desired, before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade French onion soup!
This recipe makes about 4 servings, but you can easily double or triple the ingredients to feed a larger crowd.
