Indulge in the savory and comforting flavors of a classic French onion soup, elevated with the addition of sherry. This traditional soup is a culinary masterpiece that will warm your soul and leave you craving more. With its rich and caramelized onions, hearty broth, and melted cheese, this soup is the perfect meal for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend lunch. Join us as we delve into the art of creating this delectable dish, using our step-by-step guide and tips to ensure your soup turns out perfect every time.
How To Make “french onion soup with sherry”
To embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll need a few essential ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry sherry
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Baguette or croutons, for serving
- Gruyère or Swiss cheese, grated
Equipment:
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Ladle
- Baking sheet
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In your Dutch oven or pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high and continue cooking the onions, stirring frequently, until they’re golden brown and caramelized, about 20-30 minutes.
4. Pour in the sherry and let it simmer until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor.
6. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree about 1/3 of the soup until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir to combine.
7. Ladle the soup into individual oven-safe bowls.
8. Sprinkle with grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
9. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve immediately with crusty bread or croutons for dipping.
Tips or Possible Variation of the “french onion soup with sherry”
To enhance your French onion soup with sherry, consider these tips and variations:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of beef and chicken broth.
- Add a bay leaf to the pot while simmering the soup for extra depth of flavor.
- If you don’t have sherry on hand, you can substitute white wine or dry vermouth.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the beef broth with vegetable broth.
The beauty of this classic recipe lies in its versatility. Experiment with different toppings to create unique flavor combinations. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for a creamy touch or sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
