Rich French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup Recipe with Red Onions, White Wine, and Cheddar Cheese

Region / culture: France, Malta | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

French Onion Soup is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This rich and flavorful soup is made with caramelized onions, beef consommé, and white wine, topped with cheesy toast. It is a delicious and satisfying meal 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 made with onions, beef broth, and bread, and was a popular dish among the working class due to its affordability and simplicity. Over the years, the recipe has evolved and is now enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

60 g (2 oz) of butter
2 tbsp of olive oil
680 g (1.5 lb) of red onions, halved and thinly sliced
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 tsp of sugar
2 cans (425 g or 15 oz each) of beef consommé
280 ml (0.5 pt) of dry white wine
salt and pepper
a narrow French loaf, sliced
butter
230 g (8 oz) of cheddar cheese
2 tbsp of chopped parsley

How to prepare

Place the butter and oil in a large pan and heat it.
Add the onion and garlic and cook on high heat until the onions turn a deep golden brown.
Stir continuously to prevent sticking.
Add the sugar and reduce the heat.
Cover the pan and cook gently for 20 minutes.
Prepare the consommé by adding water to make it up to 1.2 liters (2 pt), then add it to the pan along with the wine.
Simmer without the lid for 45 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.
Toast the bread, spread it with butter, and sprinkle it with cheese and parsley.
Place it under the grill until the cheese has melted.
Ladle the soup into bowls and place the toast on top.

Variations

Add a splash of brandy or sherry for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as gruyere or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
Add fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for added depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be patient when caramelizing the onions, as this process can take some time but is essential for developing the rich flavor of the soup.

- Use a good quality beef consommé for the best results.

- Don't skip the white wine, as it adds depth and complexity to the soup.

- Make sure to season the soup well with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

French Onion Soup is best served hot with cheesy toast on top. It pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Caramelizing the onions is the key to this recipe, so make sure to cook them slowly and patiently until they are a deep golden brown.

- Simmering the soup without the lid allows the flavors to develop and intensify.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use yellow or white onions instead of red onions.

- Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef consommé.

Make Ahead Tips

French Onion Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve French Onion Soup in individual bowls topped with cheesy toast for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

French Onion Soup pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. It also goes well with a light beer or a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover French Onion Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of French Onion Soup contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of French Onion Soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of French Onion Soup contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of French Onion Soup contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

French Onion Soup is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

French Onion Soup contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (bread), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

French Onion Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is relatively high in fats and carbohydrates. It is a good source of proteins and vitamins, but may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Rich French Onion Soup. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I had just returned home from a long day at the market. As I sorted through the various ingredients I had purchased, my eyes landed on a worn and weathered recipe card tucked away in the back of my recipe box.

The card was yellowed with age, and the handwriting was faded, but I could still make out the elegant script that spelled out the ingredients and instructions for this classic dish. I had always loved French Onion Soup, with its rich, savory broth and caramelized onions, but I had never attempted to make it myself.

I traced my finger over the words on the card, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The recipe had been passed down to me from my own grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago. I could almost hear her voice as I read through the instructions, her gentle encouragement urging me to give it a try.

With a deep breath, I set to work gathering the ingredients I would need. Onions, butter, beef broth, a splash of red wine, and a sprinkle of thyme. Simple yet elegant, each ingredient working together to create a symphony of flavors that would warm the soul on a cold winter's night.

As I sliced the onions and sautéed them in butter, the familiar scent filled the kitchen, bringing back memories of cozy nights spent by the fire, savoring a bowl of steaming hot soup. I added the beef broth and wine, letting the mixture simmer slowly on the stove, allowing the flavors to meld together and deepen into a rich, velvety broth.

The final step was to ladle the soup into individual bowls, topping each with a slice of crusty bread and a generous sprinkle of grated Gruyère cheese. I slid the bowls under the broiler, watching as the cheese bubbled and browned, creating a deliciously gooey crust that would add the perfect finishing touch to the soup.

As I sat down to savor my creation, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of my grandmother and her friend, sharing recipes and stories in a cozy kitchen much like my own. I imagined them laughing and chatting as they stirred pots and chopped vegetables, passing down their culinary wisdom from one generation to the next.

And as I took my first spoonful of the rich, savory soup, I knew that I had captured a bit of that magic in my own kitchen. The flavors were perfect, the broth velvety and flavorful, the cheese melted and gooey. It was a dish that spoke of tradition and love, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

As I finished my bowl of soup, I made a mental note to write down the recipe for future generations. I wanted my own grandchildren to experience the same joy and excitement that I had felt when I first saw this recipe for Rich French Onion Soup. It was a dish that held a special place in my heart, a taste of home and family that I would cherish for years to come. And as I washed the dishes and tidied up the kitchen, I knew that this recipe would always have a place of honor in my repertoire, a reminder of the love and tradition that had been passed down through the generations.