French onion soup, a classic dish of French cuisine, is a hearty and flavorful soup made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and croutons, topped with a golden-brown crust of melted cheese. This timeless dish has been enjoyed for centuries and remains a popular choice for its rich, savory flavors and comforting warmth.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
SOUPE A L'OIGNON GRATINEE (FRENCH ONION SOUP)
Provided by Food Network
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter and the oil in a large heavy pot over medium-low heat. Add onions, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 20 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high, uncover, and add the sugar and season to taste with salt. Saute stirring often until onions are very soft and deep golden brown. Reduce heat to medium, sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes. Add about 2 cups of stock and stir to blend, then add remaining 6 cups of stock and the wine. Season to taste with salt and pepper and simmer for about 30 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Meanwhile, slice the bread into at least 8 thick slices. Butter both sides of the bread with the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, then toast until golden brown on both sides in the oven. Place a slice of toast in each of 8 ovenproof bowl, then fill bowls with the onion soup. Spread a thick layer of cheese on top of soup. Set bowls in 2 baking pans, place in the oven and bake until cheese has browned.
OUR FAVORITE FRENCH ONION SOUP
Buy the best beef broth you can, or better yet, make your own for a rich, full-flavored soup. And if you don't have ovenproof bowls or ramekins for the soup, don't worry-you can just top your soup with melty cheese toasts.
Provided by Rhoda Boone
Categories Soup/Stew Onion Kid-Friendly Lunch Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Frankenrecipe Small Plates
Yield Serves 4 as a main (or 6 as an appetizer)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a large Dutch oven or other large pot, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the oil and onions; cook onions are until softened, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Add the salt, pepper, and sugar; continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden brown and caramelized, reducing heat slightly if onions seem to be browning too quickly, 35 to 45 minutes more.
- Add wine and raise heat to high. Cook until almost all liquid has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Tie thyme and bay leaves into a bundle with twine. Add broth and herb bundle to pot with onions. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, until broth is thickened and flavorful, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Heat the broiler. Cut two 1/2-inch baguette slices for every serving of soup. Place baguette slices on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in oven until crisp and dry but not browned, about 1 minute per side. Rub one side of each toast with the garlic clove and set aside.
- Place ramekins or ovensafe bowls on a rimmed baking sheet, add 1/2 teaspoon of sherry to the bottom of each, and ladle soup on top. Top each serving of soup with two garlic-rubbed toasts. Divide cheese among the servings, covering the bread and some of the soup. Carefully transfer baking sheet to oven and broil until cheese is melted and bubbling, 4 to 8 minutes. (Alternatively, if using regular soup bowls: Top each garlic-rubbed toast with some cheese and return to broiler to melt, about 2 minutes more. Divide sherry and soup among bowls, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and top each serving with two cheese toasts.)
FRENCH ONION SOUP GRATINEE
About as good as it gets! This is the version of French Onion Soup that people seek when they go to restaurants. I have been making it for 30 years and it never fails to please. It makes an exquisite presentation, too!
Provided by Jersey Tomato
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Vegetable Soup Recipes Onion Soup Recipes French Onion Soup Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Stir in salt, red onions and sweet onions. Cook 35 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are caramelized and almost syrupy.
- Mix chicken broth, beef broth, red wine and Worcestershire sauce into pot. Bundle the parsley, thyme, and bay leaf with twine and place in pot. Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove and discard the herbs. Reduce the heat to low, mix in vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep over low heat to stay hot while you prepare the bread.
- Preheat oven broiler. Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and broil 3 minutes, turning once, until well toasted on both sides. Remove from heat; do not turn off broiler.
- Arrange 4 large oven safe bowls or crocks on a rimmed baking sheet. Fill each bowl 2/3 full with hot soup. Top each bowl with 1 slice toasted bread, 2 slice Gruyere cheese and 1/4 of the Asiago or mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle a little bit of paprika over the top of each one.
- Broil 5 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. As it softens, the cheese will cascade over the sides of the crock and form a beautifully melted crusty seal. Serve immediately!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 617.8 calories, Carbohydrate 39.5 g, Cholesterol 113.9 mg, Fat 35.9 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 29.7 g, SaturatedFat 20.8 g, Sodium 3335.7 mg, Sugar 10.6 g
Summary for Soupe l'Oignon Gratinee
- For a flavorful broth, use a combination of rich, flavorful stock and dry white wine. Opt for a quality white wine that complements the flavors of the caramelle onions and the gruyere cheese.
- Use crusty, stale French bread as it can withstand the heat of the gratin process and also absorb and hold the broth more easily.
- Grate the cheese close to serving to prevent it from drying out or becoming clumpy.
- Braise the onions over low heat until they reach a sweet and caramelle color. This process may take up to 45 minutes, but it's worth it as it contributes to the distinctive depth of the dish.
- Don't be afraid to let the cheese brown slightly in the broiler - this adds a touch of color and aroma to the gratinee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this classic French recipe is a labor of love, but the results are nothing short of spectacular. With proper preparation, technique, and attention to detail, you can create a truly memorable and flavorful dish. Follow these tips and techniques to ensure a perfect Soupe l'Oignon Gratinee every time. Bon appétit!
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