Classic 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
Cooking Time:
Total estimated time: 1 hour 45 minutes
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.
