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Alright, folks, gather 'round the virtual kitchen table. We're diving headfirst into the heartwarming world of French Onion Soup, the ultimate comfort food that's as comforting to make as it is to eat.
So, what's the deal with French Onion Soup? It's like a symphony of flavors, a comforting blend of sweet and savory, a textural dance of soft onions, and a hearty, herb-infused beef broth. And then, there's that glorious finale – a blanket of bubbling, golden Gruyère cheese that adds a luxurious touch to this humble soup.
It's a dish that proves you don't need fancy ingredients to create something truly extraordinary in your kitchen. For me, it often serves as a life reminder as well — sometimes simple works best!
French Onion Soup Ingredients:
Image via Karolina Grabowska/ Pexels
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 8 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Baguette slices, toasted
- 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
French Onion Soup Recipe Instructions:
Image via Sheri Silver/ Unsplash
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the onions are deeply caramelized and have turned a rich brown color.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot (Optional): Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the wine has reduced by half.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the beef (or vegetable) broth. Add the bay leaves and fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat the Broiler: While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven's broiler.
- Assemble the Soup: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice or two of toasted baguette on top of the soup in each bowl.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese over the bread slices, ensuring they are completely covered.
- Broil: Place the bowls on a baking sheet and put them under the broiler. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Serve: Let it cool for a minute or two, and then serve.
Culinary Etiquette And The Cheesy French Onion Soup Debate
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French Onion Soup, with its gooey layer of melted cheese on top, can spark a friendly debate among culinary enthusiasts. The question often arises: To cut or not to cut the cheese? Traditionally, when served in restaurants, the cheese-covered bread in French Onion Soup was left uncut. Diners were provided with a spoon to break off pieces of the cheese-covered bread and allow them to melt into the soup. This method was believed to preserve the flavors and textures of the dish.
However, as this iconic soup gained popularity around the world, variations emerged. Some diners preferred to have the cheese already sliced or cut into manageable portions, making it easier to enjoy without the need for spoon gymnastics. Ultimately, whether you embrace the uncut tradition or opt for the sliced approach, French Onion Soup continues to bring people together and ignite conversations over a bowl of warm, cheesy goodness.
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Header image via Sheri Silver/ Unsplash
