French Onion Soup with Gruyères: A Classic Delight

Ingredients:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 60 ml (4 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
• 10 g (2 tsp) salt, plus more to taste
• 5 g (1 tsp) sugar
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) all-purpose flour
• 1.5 L (6 cups) beef broth
• 240 ml (1 cup) dry white wine
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 slices French baguette, toasted
• 400 g (14 oz) Gruyères cheese, grated

Cooking Time: Total estimated time: 2 hours

Instructions:

Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with 10 g (2 tsp) salt and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are a rich golden brown, about 45 minutes. This patient caramelization develops the sweetness essential to the soup’s base.

Step 2: Building the Soup Base

Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the flour and cook for an additional 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually add in the beef broth, stirring constantly to ensure smooth incorporation. Add the white wine, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook, partially covered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Finishing Touches

After the soup has simmered, remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Season the soup with additional salt and pepper to your taste. Preheat your oven’s broiler to a high setting.

Step 4: Assembling and Serving

Ladle the soup into individual oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted slice of baguette on top of each bowl of soup. Generously sprinkle the Gruyères cheese over the bread slices, ensuring they are completely covered. Place the bowls under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and has attained a golden hue.

Conclusion

French Onion Soup is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. Each spoonful delivers a sumptuous blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors that epitomize comfort food. As you serve this French classic, take a moment to appreciate the artistry in every component, from the carefully caramelized onions to the perfectly melted Gruyères cheese. Enjoy this culinary masterpiece with a crisp salad or simply on its own, reveling in its rich taste and textural harmony. Bon appétit!

Wyatt Travis Creator of AI MultiPrompter

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