French Onion Soup Recipe

Title: Classic French Onion Soup

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Caramelize Onions:
   • In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and golden brown. This process may take about 20-30 minutes.
2. Add Sugar and Garlic:
   • Sprinkle sugar over the caramelized onions and stir to help with the caramelization process. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
   • Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to cook off, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Broth and Seasoning:
   • Pour in the beef broth, add bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Prepare Baguette Slices:
   • While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until they are golden brown on both sides.
6. Serve the Soup:
   • Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Float a few baguette slices on top.
7. Add Cheese and Broil:
   • Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the baguette slices. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a golden-brown crust.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the bowls from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Time and Intensity:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes
• Intensity: Moderate

Note: This Classic French Onion Soup recipe delivers a rich and comforting bowl of goodness. The slow-caramelized onions, flavorful broth, and gooey melted cheese on top create a hearty and satisfying soup. Perfect for a cozy evening, serve it as a starter or pair it with a salad for a complete meal.