Rich and Flavorful French Onion Soup: A Hearty and Comforting Classic

Experience the quintessential warmth and depth of a traditional French Onion Soup, a timeless dish that is perfect for both cozy family dinners and elegant gatherings. This recipe brings out the robust, caramelized flavors of slow-cooked onions combined with a savory broth, topped with crusty bread and melted cheese.

Ingredients:

For the soup:
– 5-6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 cups beef broth
– 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2-3 fresh thyme sprigs)
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping:
– 1 baguette, sliced
– 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated

Instructions:

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them in the oil and butter mixture.
2. Sprinkle the onions with salt and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened significantly and taken on a deep golden-brown color, about 30-40 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Garlic and Flour
1. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
1. Slowly pour in the white wine (if using) and stir to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
2. Add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs (if using fresh).

Step 4: Prepare the Bread and Cheese
1. Preheat the oven’s broiler setting. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until golden brown on both sides.
2. Remove the toasted baguette slices from the oven and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble and Broil
1. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place one or two toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl of soup.
2. Generously sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the bread slices.
3. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and carefully transfer them to the broiler. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve
1. Carefully remove the soup bowls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving, as they will be very hot.
2. Enjoy your rich and flavorful French Onion Soup with a side salad or a light main course for a complete meal.

This French Onion Soup is a true savory delight, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening or as an impressive appetizer for a special occasion. Bon appétit!