Are you craving a delicious, comforting soup that's also surprisingly healthy and easy to make? Look no further! This clear onion soup recipe is the perfect answer. It's a classic for a reason – the sweet, caramelized onions simmered in a flavorful broth create a symphony of taste that's both sophisticated and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even a sophisticated appetizer. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar (optional, brightens the flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread (for serving) – optional
Instructions:
Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions
This is the key to a truly delicious onion soup! In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for at least 30-40 minutes, or until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Be patient; this slow cooking process develops the rich sweetness of the onions.
Step 2: Building the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and white wine (if using). Add the bay leaves and thyme sprig. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Adding the Finishing Touches
Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprig. Stir in the sherry vinegar (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
Step 4: Serving
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, if desired. The bread soaks up the delicious broth beautifully!
Cooking Tips for the Best Clear Onion Soup:
- Thinly sliced onions: The thinner you slice the onions, the faster they'll caramelize and the more evenly they'll cook.
- Low and slow: Patience is key when caramelizing onions. Low heat prevents burning and allows the onions to develop their full sweetness.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a lot of onions, you might need to do this in batches to ensure even caramelization.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: The amount of salt, pepper, and sherry vinegar can be adjusted to your preference.
Variations:
- Creamy Onion Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche just before serving for a richer, creamier soup.
- French Onion Soup: For a classic French onion soup, top each bowl with a toasted baguette slice and melted Gruyère cheese before broiling until bubbly and golden brown.
- Different Broth: Experiment with beef broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-12g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This easy and healthy clear onion soup recipe is a perfect addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes. It's a simple yet elegant meal that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!