French Onion Soup with Croutons

Introduction

French Onion Soup is a timeless and comforting dish, adored for its rich and deep flavors. A perfect balance between caramelized onions and a robust beef broth, crowned with golden toasted croutons and melty Gruyère cheese. The origins of this dish trace back to the Roman era, becoming a staple in French cuisine thanks to its simplicity and heartwarming attributes. Join me as we delve into crafting this exquisite soup that signifies both elegance and heartiness, perfect for lifting spirits on a chilly day.

Kitchen Equipment Required

• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven
• Wooden Spoon
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Baking Sheet
• Ovenproof Bowls
• Grater

Cooking Time

Total estimated time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Recipe for French Onion Soup with Croutons

Ingredients

• 900g (2 lbs) yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 60ml (4 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
• 1.3L (5 1/2 cups) beef broth
• 120ml (1/2 cup) dry white wine
• 30g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 baguette, sliced into 1cm (1/2 inch) rounds
• 200g (7 oz) Gruyère cheese, grated

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions become golden brown and caramelized, about 40 minutes. Adjust heat as necessary to avoid burning.

Step 2: Building the Broth Base

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes. Gradually stir in the white wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Add the beef broth, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, and let cook uncovered for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Preparing the Croutons

While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet. Bake until golden and crisp, about 10 minutes. You can lightly drizzle with olive oil before baking for added flavor.

Step 4: Assembling the Soup

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Ladle the hot soup into ovenproof bowls, top each with a few baked croutons, and generously sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese.

Step 5: Browning the Cheese

Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately with extra croutons on the side if desired.

Conclusion

Your journey to mastering French Onion Soup is complete, and what a delightful excursion it has been! Each spoonful is a celebration of rich, savory flavors, with crispy croutons and gooey cheese offering a textural delight. The true magic of this soup lies in its simplicity, proving that with time and care, even the humblest ingredients can transform into gastronomic brilliance. Enjoy your creation, and remember that good soup is akin to good company; it warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Wyatt Travis Creator of AI MultiPrompter

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