Best French Onion Soup

Best French Onion Soup Recipe - Vegetarian from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

The Best French Onion Soup is a classic dish that has warmed hearts and bellies for centuries. This recipe brings together the sweetness of caramelized onions, the depth of a rich broth, and the indulgent touch of melted cheese atop a crusty piece of French bread. It's a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, making it a favorite for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings.

History

French Onion Soup has its roots in the Roman times, but it was the French who elevated it to the gourmet status it holds today. Originally considered a meal for poor people, made from onions, water, and bread, it has evolved over the centuries. The modern version, with its rich broth and melted cheese, became popular in the 18th century and has been a staple of French cuisine ever since.

Ingredients

3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp vegetable oil
7 to 8 cups halved and thinly sliced onions (about 5 large)
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
0.33 cup dry sherry
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme or 0.5 tsp dried
0.25 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 loaf french bread, cut into 0.5 inch-thick slices
10 to 12 oz (340 g) shredded jarlsberg or gruyere cheese

How to prepare

1. In a large, heavy pot, melt 2 tbsp of butter with oil over medium heat. Stir in onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the remaining butter to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and very soft, about 15 minutes.
2. Stir in flour and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in broth, sherry, thyme, salt to taste, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, adding more salt if needed.
3. Preheat the broiler. Lightly toast the bread slices. Ladle the soup into 6 ovenproof bowls or crocks and arrange them on a baking sheet. Put enough bread on top of each serving—cutting and fitting if necessary—to cover the soup. Sprinkle the bread with shredded cheese. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve hot.

Variations

For a twist on the classic, try using different types of onions, such as red or sweet varieties. You can also experiment with the cheese, using mozzarella for a milder flavor or a mixture of cheeses for depth. A splash of brandy in place of sherry adds a different dimension to the broth.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To achieve the perfect caramelization of onions, patience is key. Cook them slowly over low heat to draw out their natural sugars. Using a combination of butter and oil prevents the butter from burning. Adding a pinch of sugar helps in the caramelization process. For the broth, using low-sodium vegetable broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish better.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the French Onion Soup hot, directly after broiling the cheese to golden perfection. It's best enjoyed as a starter or a light main course, perhaps accompanied by a simple green salad or some extra slices of crusty bread for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is the slow caramelization of the onions. This process develops the soup's foundational flavors. Another important technique is the broiling of the cheese-topped bread, which should be monitored closely to achieve the perfect melt and slight char without burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegan version, use olive oil instead of butter and vegetable broth. Vegan cheese can replace traditional cheese, though the melting characteristics may vary. Gluten-free bread can be used to make the recipe gluten-free.

Make Ahead Tips

The soup base can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, then proceed with the bread and cheese topping before serving.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, use individual ovenproof crocks for serving. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or a light dusting of paprika for color and flavor contrast.

Pairing Recommendations

A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness of the soup well. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with lemon provides a refreshing contrast.

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 add fresh bread and cheese topping before broiling.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of French Onion Soup contains approximately 400 calories. The calories mainly come from the carbohydrates in the onions and bread, and the fats in the butter and cheese.

Carbohydrates

A serving of French Onion Soup contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the onions and the slice of French bread used as a topping. Onions are a good source of natural sugars, fiber, and several nutrients.

Fats

This recipe contains about 20 grams of fat per serving, with the primary sources being the butter used for cooking the onions and the shredded cheese topping. Opting for a lower-fat cheese or reducing the amount can decrease the fat content.

Proteins

Each serving of French Onion Soup provides roughly 15 grams of protein, mainly from the cheese. The type of cheese used can affect the protein content, with varieties like Gruyère or Swiss being among the higher protein options.

Vitamins and minerals

Onions are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. The cheese adds calcium and potentially vitamin D, depending on the type used. This soup also provides small amounts of iron and potassium.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include dairy (butter and cheese) and gluten (French bread). Individuals with sensitivities to these should consider suitable substitutions.

Summary

French Onion Soup is a comforting dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It's rich in several vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option when consumed in moderation.

Summary

The Best French Onion Soup is a timeless dish that combines the deep flavors of caramelized onions with the comforting richness of broth and cheese. This recipe not only offers a delicious meal but also provides a good balance of nutrients. With options for customization and make-ahead preparation, it's a versatile choice suitable for various dietary needs and occasions.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for the Best French Onion Soup. It was a cool autumn day, and I was going through an old cookbook that had been passed down from generation to generation in my family. As I flipped through the pages, a worn and yellowed piece of paper fell out, revealing a handwritten recipe for French Onion Soup.

I had always loved French Onion Soup, but I had never attempted to make it myself. The ingredients were simple enough – onions, beef broth, butter, and a few other pantry staples. But there was something about this recipe that intrigued me. Perhaps it was the meticulous instructions, or the promise of a rich and flavorful soup that would warm me from the inside out.

I decided to give it a try. I gathered the ingredients and set to work, slicing the onions into thin strips and sautéing them in butter until they were golden brown and caramelized. The smell that filled my kitchen was heavenly – a combination of sweet onions and rich beef broth that made my mouth water.

As I added the broth and let the soup simmer, I thought back to all the recipes I had learned over the years. Some came from cookbooks, others from friends and family members. Each one had its own story, its own unique twist that made it special. And now, as I stirred the pot of simmering soup, I couldn't help but wonder about the origins of this particular recipe.

I imagined a French grandmother, standing in a cozy kitchen, stirring a pot of soup just like this one. Perhaps she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, passing it down through the generations until it landed in my hands. Or maybe she had discovered it in a quaint little bistro in Paris, scribbling down the ingredients and method on a scrap of paper to recreate at home.

As the soup finished cooking, I ladled it into a bowl and topped it with a generous handful of grated Gruyère cheese. The cheese melted and bubbled on top of the soup, forming a golden crust that was irresistible. I took a spoonful and blew on it gently, savoring the aroma before taking a taste.

The first sip was like a warm hug on a chilly day. The broth was rich and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the caramelized onions. The cheese added a creamy richness that balanced perfectly with the tangy broth. It was, without a doubt, the Best French Onion Soup I had ever tasted.

As I sat at the kitchen table, enjoying my bowl of soup, I couldn't help but smile. This recipe had brought me on a journey – a journey through time and space, to a place where flavors and memories intertwined. And as I finished the last spoonful, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, to be shared with future generations just like all the others before it.