French Onion Soup is a classic dish that combines the deep, sweet flavors of caramelized onions with savory beef broth, topped with crusty bread and melted cheese. It’s a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for colder days or as a starter to impress guests.
Ingredients:
- Butter: 4 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 1 tablespoon
- Dry red wine: 1 1/2 cups
- Worcestershire sauce: 3 1/2 teaspoons
- Olive oil: 1/2 tablespoon
- Garlic cloves: 1, minced
- Parmesan cheese: 8 tablespoons, grated
- Onions: 2-3 large, thinly sliced
- Beef broth: 8 cups
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- French bread slices: 4, cut into thick slices
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 641.9
- Total Fat: 24.5g
- Saturated Fat: 10.4g
- Cholesterol: 36mg
- Sodium: 1688.2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 82.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 5.5g
- Sugars: 5.9g
- Protein: 17.6g
Directions:
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Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Caramelize onions: In a large, heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them gently, covered, for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions should become soft and golden brown.
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Add flour: Sprinkle the cooked onions with flour and stir well to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
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Deglaze with wine: Pour in the dry red wine and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Prepare bread: While the soup simmers, brush the French bread slices on both sides with olive oil or melted butter. Arrange them on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp.
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Garlic bread: While the bread is still warm from the oven, rub the cut sides of a garlic clove over each slice of bread. This adds a subtle garlic flavor to the bread.
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Assemble soup: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place two slices of the toasted bread in each bowl, letting them float on top of the soup.
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Top with cheese: Sprinkle each bowl generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
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Broil: Preheat your broiler. Place the bowls of soup under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Carefully remove the bowls from the broiler (they will be hot!) and serve immediately, ensuring each diner gets a flavorful combination of broth-soaked bread and gooey melted cheese.
Serving Tips:
French Onion Soup is traditionally served hot and bubbly, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. This recipe yields 4 servings, making it ideal for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion.
Recipe Notes:
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Onion Caramelization: Take your time caramelizing the onions; this step is crucial for developing the rich, sweet flavor base of the soup.
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Choosing Wine: Opt for a dry red wine that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will infuse into the soup.
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Cheese Options: While Parmesan cheese is traditional for topping French Onion Soup, you can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyรจre or Swiss for a slightly different flavor profile.
This French Onion Soup recipe from Love with Recipes promises to warm hearts and delight taste buds with its robust flavors and comforting appeal. Enjoy making and sharing this dish with loved ones, creating memorable culinary experiences around the dinner table.