What To Know
- With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create this classic dish that will impress your family and friends.
- So next time you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal, give French onion soup a try.
- If your soup is too salty, you can add a few slices of raw potato to the soup.
The answer is a resounding yes! While French onion soup is often associated with fine dining, it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare at home. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create this classic dish that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large Dutch oven or pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 45 minutes.
2. Deglaze with Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add Broth and Wine: Gradually whisk in the beef broth and white wine (if using). Bring to a simmer and add the bay leaf and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours. The soup will thicken as it simmers.
5. Toast the Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and toast in the oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
6. Assemble the Soup: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a toasted baguette slice and sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
7. Broil: Place the bowls under a preheated broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
Tips for Success:
- Use a variety of onions for a more complex flavor.
- Don’t rush the caramelizing process. It takes time to develop the deep, rich flavor.
- If you don’t have dry white wine, you can substitute water or additional beef broth.
- Simmer the soup for as long as possible to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Variations:
- Vegetarian French Onion Soup: Omit the beef broth and use vegetable broth instead.
- Creamy French Onion Soup: Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the soup before serving.
- French Onion Soup with Mushrooms: Sauté 1 pound of sliced mushrooms with the onions.
- French Onion Soup with Gruyère Croutons: Top the soup with croutons made from toasted Gruyère cheese.
In a nutshell:
French onion soup may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy to make at home. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create this classic dish that will delight your taste buds. So next time you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal, give French onion soup a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: How long can I store French onion soup?
A: Leftover French onion soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Q: Can I freeze French onion soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze French onion soup for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What can I do if my French onion soup is too salty?
A: If your soup is too salty, you can add a few slices of raw potato to the soup. The potato will absorb some of the saltiness.
