Traditional French Onion Soup
Traditional French onion soup is a heartwarming dish made with caramelized onions simmered in a rich beef broth. Topped with a slice of baguette and melted Gruyère cheese, this comforting soup is a classic of French cuisine that offers a perfect blend of flavors.
Ingredients
- For the Soup:
- 4 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 6 cups beef stock or vegetable stock for a vegetarian version
- 1/2 cup dry white wine optional
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Topping:
- 1 baguette sliced
- 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil for toasting the bread
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the wine (if using) and simmer for 2 minutes. Pour in the beef stock, add bay leaves and thyme, and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes to develop the flavors. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Croutons:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until crispy.
- Assemble the Soup:
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl, then generously sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese.
- Broil the Cheese:
- Preheat the broiler. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-4 minutes. Serve hot.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: You can substitute beef stock with vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Wine: Adding wine gives the soup a richer depth, but it's optional. Use white wine for a lighter flavor or skip it for a non-alcoholic version.
- Cheese Substitutes: If Gruyère isn’t available, use Emmental, Swiss, or Comté for similar melting and flavor.