Nothing says comfort food quite like a hot steaming bowl of French onion soup. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a classic French dish in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this easy step-by-step guide for a simple French onion soup recipe will have you savoring this timeless dish in no time.
French onion soup, a classic French dish with a rich, flavorful broth, is a great meal to enjoy during a cold winter evening. Though indulgent, it’s surprisingly simple to make with ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The caramelized onions, savory broth, and melted cheese topping create a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
This versatile dish can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a vegetarian take with vegetable broth or a richer twist with beef broth, the variations are endless. With this simple French onion soup recipe as your base, you can experiment and create your own unique version.
How To Make Simple French Onion Soup
Creating a simple French onion soup is a culinary endeavor that combines simplicity and elegance. The key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors lies in caramelizing the onions until they become deeply golden brown and delicately sweet. This process may take some time, but the result is well worth the effort.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 6 cups of beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup of dry white wine (optional)
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
- 1 cup of grated Gruyere cheese
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Oven-safe bowls or ramekins
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together.
2. Add the sliced onions, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and beginning to caramelize, about 30 minutes.
3. If desired, deglaze the pan with white wine and cook until the wine has reduced by half.
4. Add the beef or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and cook until the onions are very tender, about 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
6. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls or ramekins. Top with the baguette slices and grated Gruyere cheese.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, caramelized flavors of your simple French onion soup.
Tips or Possible Variation of Simple French Onion Soup
To add depth of flavor, try using a combination of beef and vegetable broth. Experiment with different types of cheese such as Swiss, Emmental, or Fontina for a unique twist. For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for beef broth and use a plant-based butter alternative.
To enhance the caramelization process, use a heavy-bottomed pot and cook the onions over low heat. This will allow them to cook evenly and develop a deep golden-brown color. If the onions start to stick to the pan, add a splash of water or white wine to deglaze.
For a richer soup, add 1 tablespoon of flour to the onions before adding the broth. This will create a roux that will thicken the soup and add a velvety texture. For a lighter soup, omit the flour and use a low-sodium broth. No matter your preferences, this simple French onion soup recipe will surely become a favorite comfort food in your culinary repertoire.
