Are you craving a deeply flavorful, comforting soup that's both elegant and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This French Onion Soup recipe, inspired by the culinary legacy of Famous Barr (a beloved department store known for its amazing restaurant), is a classic for a reason. Rich, caramelized onions simmered in a deeply savory broth, topped with crusty bread and melted Gruyère cheese – it's the ultimate in delicious comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the restaurant price tag, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated
Instructions:
Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions – The Key to Success
This step takes time, but it's crucial for the rich flavor of your soup. Melt the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven 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; the longer you cook them, the richer the flavor will be. Don't rush this step!
Step 2: Building the Broth
Once the onions are caramelized, add the sherry (if using) and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth and red wine. Add the thyme and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking
Preheat your oven to broil. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice or two of baguette. Generously sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese over the bread. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they will be hot!). Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, if desired, and serve immediately. This delicious, homemade cooking masterpiece is best enjoyed while still warm and bubbly.
Tips for the Best French Onion Soup:
- Onion Slicing: Thinly sliced onions caramelize more evenly and quickly. A mandoline slicer can be helpful, but a sharp knife works just fine.
- Patience is Key: Don't rush the caramelization process. Low and slow is the way to go for deeply flavorful onions.
- Broth Quality Matters: Using a good quality beef broth makes a significant difference in the overall flavor of the soup.
- Wine Selection: A dry red wine complements the richness of the soup beautifully.
Variations:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth and omit the sherry (or use a vegetarian sherry alternative). You can also use a vegan cheese alternative for the topping.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a hint of heat.
- Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or sage, in addition to or instead of thyme.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This French Onion Soup recipe is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can create a truly memorable meal. It’s perfect for a quick dinner idea, a special occasion, or just a cozy night in. Enjoy!