Description
A classic French onion soup featuring deeply caramelized onions simmered in a rich broth, topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese for a warm, satisfying dish perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Soup
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Melt the butter together with the olive oil in a large pot over low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, until the onions are deeply caramelized, soft, and golden brown. This process should take about 30-40 minutes and requires patience to develop the soup’s characteristic rich flavor.
- Add Sugar and Continue Cooking: Sprinkle the sugar over the onions and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes to enhance caramelization and deepen the sweetness and color.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the dry white wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce slightly for about 5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Add the beef broth to the pot, season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Prepare Bread and Cheese: While the soup simmers, toast the baguette slices in the oven until lightly crisp. Then top each slice with shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Assemble and Broil: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, float the cheese-topped baguette slices on top of the soup, and place the bowls under a broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Notes
- Patience is essential when caramelizing onions to achieve the best flavor and color without burning.
- Gruyère cheese is preferred for its authentic, nutty taste and excellent melting properties.
- This soup can be prepared in advance and gently reheated before serving for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
