french onion soup recipe

French Onion Soup is a classic, comforting dish known for its rich broth, caramelized onions, and melted cheese on top. Here’s a traditional recipe for making French Onion Soup:

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Baguette, sliced
• Gruyere or Swiss cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the Onions:

a. In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.

b. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes or until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.

c. Add minced garlic in the last 5 minutes of cooking the onions.

2. Deglaze the Pot:

a. If using white wine, pour it into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

3. Simmer with Broth:

a. Add beef and chicken broth to the pot.

b. Add bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for an additional 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Toast the Baguette:

a. While the soup simmers, preheat your oven broiler.

b. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until lightly golden.

5. Assemble and Serve:

a. Remove the bay leaves from the soup.

b. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a couple of toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl.

c. Sprinkle a generous amount of Gruyere or Swiss cheese (and optional Parmesan) over the bread.

d. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, usually about 2-3 minutes.

6. Garnish and Enjoy:

a. Garnish each bowl with chopped fresh parsley.

b. Serve the French Onion Soup hot and enjoy the savory goodness!

French Onion Soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly day. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, rich broth, and gooey melted cheese makes for a delightful and satisfying soup.