French Onion Soup V
French Onion Soup V Recipe - A Classic Dish from France and Switzerland
Introduction
French Onion Soup is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe features caramelized onions, beef broth, and melted Swiss cheese on top of a toasted slice of French bread. It's a delicious and hearty soup that is sure to warm you up on a cold day.
History
French Onion Soup has been around for centuries and is believed to have originated in France. It was traditionally a peasant dish, as onions were cheap and readily available. The soup gained popularity in the United States in the 1960s and has since become a staple on many restaurant menus.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp flour
- 0.25 cup dry white wine
- 5 cups water
- 4 tsp beef bouillon (or cubes)
- freshly ground pepper
- 4 slices french bread
- 1 cup shredded swiss cheese
How to prepare
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan.
- Add the sliced onion, cover, and cook over low heat for about 5 minutes until the onion is tender.
- Remove the lid and increase the heat to high.
- Cook and stir until the onions are golden.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the flour and wine.
- Simmer for 1 minute.
- Add the water and bouillon cubes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Place the bread slices in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 5 minutes to dry.
- Pour the soup into 4 heated ovenproof bowls.
- Place a slice of bread on top of each bowl, allowing the bread to soak up the soup.
- Cover each slice of bread with 0.25 cup of cheese.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned.
Variations
- Add a splash of sherry or brandy for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or mozzarella.
- Add some fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley, for a pop of freshness.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be patient when caramelizing the onions. It takes time for them to develop that rich, sweet flavor.
- Use a good quality beef broth for the best flavor.
- Don't skip toasting the bread before adding it to the soup. It adds a nice crunch to the dish.
- Make sure to use ovenproof bowls when baking the soup with the cheese on top.
Serving Suggestions
French Onion Soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or a crusty baguette.
Cooking Techniques
Caramelizing the onions is the key technique in this recipe. Be sure to cook them low and slow until they are golden brown and sweet.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.
- Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option.
Make Ahead Tips
You can caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to make the soup.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the French Onion Soup in individual ovenproof bowls for a rustic and cozy presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
French Onion Soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or a glass of red wine.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 320 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 28g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 14g per serving
Saturated Fat: 8g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 15g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
French Onion Soup is a good source of Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.
Alergens
Contains dairy and gluten.
Summary
French Onion Soup is a hearty and satisfying dish that is relatively high in calories and fats. However, it is also a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
French Onion Soup is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich and savory flavors, it's sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold dear in my heart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl with a passion for cooking and a love for trying new recipes.
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was visiting my aunt in Paris, and she took me to a charming little bistro tucked away on a quiet street. The moment we walked in, the aroma of caramelized onions and rich beef broth filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.
We sat down at a cozy table by the window, and my aunt ordered us each a steaming bowl of French Onion Soup. I had never tasted anything quite like it before - the sweet and savory flavors of the onions combined with the hearty broth and the melted gruyere cheese on top was a taste sensation unlike any other.
I asked my aunt how the soup was made, and she explained the process to me in great detail. She told me that the key to a good French Onion Soup was to slowly caramelize the onions until they were golden brown and sweet, and to use a rich, homemade beef broth as the base.
From that moment on, I was determined to master the art of making French Onion Soup. I spent hours in the kitchen, chopping onions and simmering beef bones to make the perfect broth. I experimented with different cheeses and seasonings, trying to recreate the flavors of that unforgettable bowl of soup I had in Paris.
After many failed attempts and a few burnt pots along the way, I finally perfected my recipe for French Onion Soup. It became a staple in my cooking repertoire, a dish that I would make for friends and family on special occasions or just when I wanted a comforting meal to warm my soul.
Over the years, I have shared my recipe with countless people, passing it down from generation to generation. Each time I make a pot of French Onion Soup, I am reminded of that happy memory in Paris, and I am grateful for the joy that cooking has brought into my life.
I have collected recipes from all over the world, but the recipe for French Onion Soup will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a dish that has brought me closer to my loved ones, and has filled my home with warmth and comfort on countless occasions.
As I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make French Onion Soup, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for all of the wonderful memories and experiences that cooking has brought into my life. I may have learned this recipe from my aunt in Paris, but it is the love and passion that I put into each pot of soup that truly makes it special.
Categories
| French Bread Recipes | French Recipes | Low-calorie Recipes | Onion Soup Recipes | Swiss Cheese Recipes | Swiss Recipes | White Wine Recipes |