French onion soup is a classic dish that never fails to impress with its rich flavors and comforting warmth. With its caramelized onions, flavorful broth, and gooey melted cheese, this soup is a perfect choice for a cozy winter evening or a dinner party. While the dish might seem intimidating to make, following this simple recipe will result in a mouthwatering bowl of French onion soup that will rival any you have ever tried.
To start, gather the ingredients you will need: 4 large onions, thinly sliced; 4 tablespoons of butter; 2 tablespoons of olive oil; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour; 4 cups of beef broth; 1 cup of dry white wine; 1 teaspoon of dried thyme; salt and pepper to taste; baguette slices; and Gruyere cheese.
Begin by melting the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them in the butter and oil mixture. Cook the onions slowly for about 30 minutes until they become golden brown and caramelized, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial for the soup’s rich flavor, so be patient as the onions slowly transform.
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine and cook for another minute to create a roux. Gradually pour in the beef broth and white wine, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the dried thyme, as well as salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until they are crisp and golden. This will serve as the delicious vessel for the melted cheese.
Once the soup has simmered to perfection, it is time to assemble the bowls of French onion soup. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, leaving enough space for the bread and cheese. Place a couple of toasted baguette slices on top of the soup, ensuring they float but are not completely submerged. Generously sprinkle grated Gruyere cheese over the bread slices, covering them entirely.
Transfer the soup bowls to the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown. Keep a close eye on the bowls, as the cheese can quickly go from perfectly melted to burnt.
After removing the bowls from the oven, allow the soup to cool slightly before serving. The first spoonful will reveal a luscious combination of the sweet caramelized onions, savory broth, and gooey melted cheese. The flavors will dance on your taste buds, leaving you craving more.
French onion soup may seem like a complex dish, but with this easy recipe, anyone can master its creation. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating this delightful comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends.