INTRODUCTION
French onion soup has been a favorite for hundreds of years. It is a very tasty and satisfying starter that is also commonly consumed as the main meal. It’s rich, delicious flavors make it perfect for cold days, but it can be enjoyed any day of the year.
INGREDIENTS
4 big onions (yellow) cut into thin slices
4 tablespoons unsalted margarine
2 tablespooons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 minced cloves garlic
1/2 cup dry white wine.
8 cups beef broth
1 bay leaf.
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 tablespoon plain flour all-purpose/plain flour
Slice 1 baguette into pieces/baguettes sliced.
Grate 2 cups Gruyere cheese.
Directions
How to caramelize onions:
Pour the butter and olive oil into a large pot and let it melt over medium heat.
Stir in the onions and occasionally stir for them to lose stiffness 15 minutes after which they will be softer.
Salt and sugar can be sprinkled on the onions while continuing to cook until they turn deep brownish about half an hour plus 10 minutes.
Deglaze Pot:
Add minced garlic cloves but make sure that you don’t overcook them due to their fragrance that takes a few minutes.
Put flour inside there as well, leave it for another minute or two before uncovering what lies beneath its surface.
While pouring white wine into the pot, scrape up any browned parts from its bottom.
Simmer Soup:
Add beef stock to this, add bay leaf and thyme. Simmer for around half an hour after bringing to boil.
The mixture simmers down until when liquid is reduced by half leaving behind essence of flavors contained in these ingredients such as saltiness which should be tasted now more than ever before – do not forget removing bay leaf first
Preparing Bread and Cheese:
Preheat oven at 400°F/200°C while simmering soup
Put your sliced baguette on baking sheet then put it in oven untill crispy; approximately ten minutes
Once out of the oven, set aside.
Assemble and Serve:
Scoop the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a couple of toasted baguette slices in each soup bowl.
Put grated Gruyère cheese on top.
Stick the bowls underneath the grill until the cheese has melted and is bubbling, probably for around 5 minutes.
Be cautious while serving in hot bowls.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving: For best results, serve French Onion Soup immediately after preparation while the cheese is still melty and the bread is crisp.
Storage: In the refrigerator, store any leftover soup (without bread and cheese) in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat on a stovetop. Toast fresh bread and add cheese just before serving for ultimate results.
Tips for Success
Caramelize Onions Slowly: Patience! Caramelizing onions properly takes time but will create the soup’s deep and rich flavor.
Use High-Quality Broth: Use high-quality beef broth instead of other types since it forms the base of your soup.
Fresh Cheese: Grate the cheese yourself so that it can melt well and have more taste.
Health Benefits
Onions are known to be rich in antioxidants as well as reducing inflammation.
Beef Broth contains protein and minerals needed by our bodies.
Garlic containing immune boosting properties especially due to its sulfur-containing compounds.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories – 450
Protein – 18g
Fat – 22g
Carbohydrates – 45g
Fiber – 4g
Sugar – 9g
Sodium – 1200mg
Variations and substitutions
Vegetarian: Replace beef broth with vegetable broth.
Substitutes for cheese: replace it with Emmental or Comté cheese for a different taste.
Gluten-Free: Substitute bread and flour with those that do not contain gluten.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make French Onion Soup ahead of time? A: Yes, you can but make the soup base before storing in the fridge, reheating when ready to serve, then adding bread and cheese at the point of serving.
Q: What’s the best type of onion to use? A: Yellow onions are traditional but sometimes sweet onions mixed up with some few red onions can give you different flavors as well.
Q: Can I freeze French Onion Soup? A: The soup base without bread and cheese can be frozen for three months. Defrost it and heat before serving. Add fresh bread as well as cheese.
Conclusion
French Onion Soup is an ageless dish made from simple ingredients that combine into a filling meal. This soup is popular all year round whether as a winter comfort food or an all-time favorite due to its strong taste and reassuring qualities. With just a few tips and changes, it will soon become your own creation. Enjoy the warmth of French Onion Soup together with your loved ones!