French Onion Soup Recipe
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 5 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried leaf thyme
- 1 3/4 cups beef consomme (or beef broth)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 slices of French bread, toasted
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, grated (or Swiss cheese)
Instructions:
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Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté gently until the onions are soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to brown them, as we want to maintain their sweet flavor.
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Add Seasonings and Flour:
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Season with pepper, sugar, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine and cook for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
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Deglaze and Simmer:
- Pour in the beef consomme, water, and white wine. Add the chopped parsley. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and the flavors are well combined.
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Prepare the Cheesy Bread Topping:
- While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the slices of toasted French bread on a baking sheet. Divide the grated Gruyere cheese evenly among the slices, about 1/2 cup per slice.
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Broil the Soup:
- Ladle the hot soup into oven-proof bowls. Place a slice of cheesy bread on top of each bowl, pushing it down slightly into the soup. Make sure the bread is covered with the soup to soften it slightly. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and starts to brown slightly.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Carefully remove the bowls from the broiler using oven mitts (the bowls will be hot!). Serve immediately, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired. French onion soup is best enjoyed hot, with the gooey cheese blending perfectly with the rich, savory broth.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 592.3
- Fat: 22.4g
- Saturated Fat: 11.5g
- Cholesterol: 43.8mg
- Sodium: 1741.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 62.9g
- Fiber: 5.8g
- Sugar: 7.8g
- Protein: 25.8g
Recipe Notes:
French onion soup is a classic dish that combines simple ingredients to create a deeply flavorful and comforting meal. The key to this recipe’s success lies in caramelizing the onions slowly to develop their natural sweetness without burning them. The addition of thyme and a touch of sugar enhances the savory notes, while the white wine adds a subtle richness to the broth. Serving the soup with cheesy bread on top not only adds a delightful crunch but also complements the soup’s creamy texture with gooey, melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a starter at a dinner party, impressing guests with its robust flavors and elegant presentation. Enjoy this homemade French onion soup any time you crave a taste of classic European comfort food!
