Step into the heartwarming culinary realm of St. Louis with the renowned Famous Barr’s French Onion Soup, a cherished recipe that has graced the tables of families for generations. This delightful concoction, recently featured in the Post-Dispatch, beckons with nostalgia, inviting you to recreate the magic of the iconic department store’s restaurant experience right in your own kitchen.
Preparation Time: 40 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours and 25 minutes
Recipe Overview:
Delight in the fusion of flavors that this Cheese-based masterpiece promises, bringing together the essence of Onions, Vegetable goodness, European flair, and the added benefits of being Low in both Protein and Cholesterol. A perfect choice for Weeknight dinners or gatherings of Large Groups, this recipe ensures a delectable journey through time and taste.
Ingredients:
- 5 onions (peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick, preferably in a food processor)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 7 cans beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons instant flour
- Kitchen Bouquet (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- French baguette (sliced)
- Swiss cheese (grated)
- Gruyere cheese (grated)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 145.8
- Fat Content: 6.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4g
- Cholesterol Content: 15.2mg
- Sodium Content: 1086mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 18.4g
- Fiber Content: 2.9g
- Sugar Content: 6.1g
- Protein Content: 4.6g
Yield: 16 servings | Recipe serves 4 quarts
Instructions:
- Begin your culinary journey by peeling the onions and slicing them to a delightful 1/8 inch thickness, preferably utilizing the efficiency of a food processor.
- In a 6-quart (or larger) stockpot, melt the butter, and add the onions. Cook uncovered over low heat for a magical 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. The slow cooking process imparts a mellow and sweet flavor to the onions.
- Stir in the black pepper, paprika, and the enchanting bay leaf. Continue sautéing over low heat for an additional 10 minutes, ensuring a symphony of flavors.
- Pour in 6 cans of beef broth and the dry white wine. Increase the heat, bringing this flavorful concoction to a lively boil.
- Dissolve the all-purpose flour in the remaining 1 can of broth, creating a smooth mixture that will add body to your soup. Stir this concoction into the boiling soup.
- Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer slowly for a captivating 2 hours, allowing the flavors to dance and intertwine.
- Adjust the color to a rich brown with the addition of caramel coloring, and season with salt to taste. For an optimal experience, refrigerate the soup overnight, letting the flavors reach their peak.
- When ready to serve, reheat the soup either in the microwave or on the stove top, bringing the comforting aroma back to life.
- For an elevated presentation, transfer the soup to ovenproof crocks or bowls. Top each portion with a slice of French baguette and a generous sprinkling of both Swiss and Gruyere cheese.
- Under the broiler, let the cheese melt and bubble, creating a golden and enticing crust in approximately 5 minutes.
- Revel in the experience of this Famous Barr’s French Onion Soup, and rest assured that any leftovers can be frozen for future moments of culinary bliss.
Recipe Notes:
Feel free to customize this timeless recipe to your liking, perhaps experimenting with the type of cheese or adding a personal touch to the caramel coloring. The beauty of this Famous Barr’s French Onion Soup lies not only in its rich history but in the endless possibilities it offers for you to make it uniquely yours. So, embark on this gastronomic adventure, and savor every spoonful of this St. Louis classic that has stood the test of time.
