American Onion Soup

American Onion Soup Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

American Onion Soup is a heartwarming and savory delight that has graced tables for generations. This recipe takes a classic approach to the traditional French Onion Soup but with a twist that incorporates distinctly American elements such as hoagie bread and a generous pour of American red wine. It's a perfect blend of sweet caramelized onions, rich broth, and gooey melted cheese, making it an irresistible comfort food.

History

The origins of onion soup can be traced back to Roman times, but it was the French who elevated it to the gourmet status it enjoys today. The American adaptation of this soup began to gain popularity in the 20th century, incorporating local ingredients and cooking styles. This version, with its use of hoagie bread and American red wine, is a testament to the adaptability and evolving nature of this beloved dish.

Ingredients

hoagie rolls or any suitable bread, sliced 1.5 inch thick
4 slices bacon, fried crisp and reserved
4 tbsp melted butter
4 – 5 vidalia onions or sweet onions, peeled, thinly sliced
2 cloves fresh garlic, crushed, peeled, finely minced
5 cans Campbell's beef broth (or 4 Knorr beef bouillon cubes dissolved in 7 cups hot water)
1 tbsp kitchen bouquet browning sauce (do not substitute)
0.25 cup dark brown sugar
1 – 1.5 cups red wine (American)
2 tsp dried oregano
2 – 3 green onions or shallots, peeled, sliced thin
fresh ground black pepper, to taste
swiss gruyère

How to prepare

Fry 4 strips of bacon until they are crispy.
Drain the bacon on paper towels.
Set aside the bacon fat for another use.
Melt the butter.
Add the onions and sauté them for 10 minutes.
Add the sugar and stir frequently until the onions caramelize and turn golden brown.
Stir in the garlic.
In a large pot, combine the onions, beef broth, and Kitchen Bouquet.
Simmer gently for 1 hour. Meanwhile, spray or spread the bread of your choice with a thin coating of butter.
Toast the bread lightly and place it in an oven preheated to 225°F (107°C).
Add the wine and oregano to the soup.
Cook for another 20 minutes.
Add the shallots and cook for another 5 minutes.
Season with black pepper.
Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C).
Place the oven-dried bread in 4 ovenproof soup bowls.
Ladle the soup on top and sprinkle with crumbled crispy bacon.
Cover the top of the bowls with cheese slices.
Place the bowls in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Serve immediately.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella for a milder flavor or a smoked gouda for a deeper taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To achieve the perfect caramelization of onions, cook them slowly over low heat. This process may take a while, but it's crucial for developing the soup's rich flavor. Using a combination of sweet onions and shallots adds depth to the taste. Don't rush the simmering process; allowing the soup to gently simmer will meld the flavors beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup hot, directly after broiling the cheese to bubbly perfection. It's best enjoyed as a main course, accompanied by a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques in this recipe are caramelizing the onions and broiling the cheese-topped soup to achieve a golden, crispy crust. Both steps are crucial for developing the soup's signature flavors and textures.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have hoagie bread, any thick, crusty bread will do. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the red wine with additional beef broth or a non-alcoholic red wine.

Make Ahead Tips

The soup base can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving and proceed with the broiling step for the cheese.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in individual ovenproof bowls or crocks, garnished with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

A glass of robust American red wine pairs beautifully with this soup, echoing its depth and richness. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling apple cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover soup (without the bread and cheese topping) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until hot, then proceed with the bread and cheese topping steps before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of American Onion Soup contains approximately 350 calories, making it a hearty and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

A serving of American Onion Soup contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the onions and hoagie bread, providing energy to fuel your body.

Fats

This recipe contains about 15 grams of fat per serving, mainly from the butter and cheese. Using reduced-fat cheese and butter substitutes can lower the fat content without significantly affecting the taste.

Proteins

Each serving of American Onion Soup offers around 10 grams of protein, contributed by the beef broth and cheese. For a protein boost, consider adding more cheese or serving with a side of lean meat.

Vitamins and minerals

Onions are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. The cheese adds calcium and phosphorus, making this soup not just comforting but also nutritious.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include dairy (butter and cheese) and gluten (hoagie bread). Always check labels for potential allergens if you're using store-bought broth.

Summary

Overall, American Onion Soup is a balanced dish that offers carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle repair, and fats for flavor and satiety. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a comforting meal.

Summary

American Onion Soup is a delightful twist on a classic, incorporating the rich flavors of caramelized onions, beef broth, and red wine, all topped with melted cheese. It's a comforting, nutritious, and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or explore variations, this soup is sure to warm hearts and bellies alike.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I turned the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for American Onion Soup. The description painted a picture of a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for warming the soul on a cold day. I knew I had to try it.

I had always been passionate about cooking, ever since I was a little girl watching my own grandmother prepare meals in the kitchen. She had a knack for creating delicious dishes out of simple ingredients, and I had always admired her skill and creativity. As I read through the recipe for American Onion Soup, I felt a surge of excitement at the thought of recreating it in my own kitchen.

The next day, I set out to gather the ingredients for the soup. I chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated cheese with care, feeling a sense of purpose and determination as I worked. The aroma of sautéing onions filled the kitchen, and I knew I was on the right track. As the soup simmered on the stove, I eagerly awaited the moment when I would finally taste the fruits of my labor.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into a bowl and took a tentative sip. The flavors exploded on my taste buds, a perfect balance of sweetness from the caramelized onions and richness from the beef broth. The melted cheese on top added a creamy texture that made the dish even more satisfying. I was hooked.

From that moment on, American Onion Soup became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on quiet nights at home. Each time, I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different herbs and spices to make it my own.

Over the years, I learned to make American Onion Soup from memory, without needing to refer to a recipe. It became a dish that I could whip up at a moment's notice, a comforting reminder of the joy I found in the kitchen. And as I shared the soup with friends and loved ones, they too fell in love with its warm and inviting flavors.

I remember one particular evening when I made American Onion Soup for a group of friends who had come over for a dinner party. As they sat around the table, laughing and chatting, I served them steaming bowls of soup garnished with crusty bread and melted cheese. The conversation quieted as they took their first bites, savoring the flavors that I had worked so hard to perfect.

One of my friends, a picky eater who had always been reluctant to try new dishes, took a tentative spoonful of the soup. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she exclaimed, "This is amazing! I never knew onion soup could be so delicious!" I smiled with pride, knowing that I had converted yet another skeptic into a lover of American Onion Soup.

As the years passed, I continued to make American Onion Soup, refining the recipe and sharing it with anyone who would listen. I passed it down to my own children and grandchildren, hoping that they too would find joy in the simple act of cooking a delicious meal for loved ones.

And so, American Onion Soup became more than just a recipe to me. It was a symbol of my passion for cooking, a reminder of the joy and fulfillment that I found in the kitchen. It was a dish that brought people together, warming their bodies and souls with its comforting flavors.

As I look back on the many years that I have spent perfecting the recipe for American Onion Soup, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures that cooking has brought into my life. And I know that as long as I have a pot on the stove and onions in the pantry, I will continue to create delicious meals that bring joy to those around me.