# French Onion Soup
Prep Time: 15 minutes\
Cook Time: 60 minutes\
Total Time: 75 minutes\
Servings: 4
## Introduction
Soothe your senses with a classic bowl of French Onion Soup. Savour the delicious fusion of caramelized onions, succulent broth, a crunchy baguette, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for tucking into during those cosy, chilly evenings!
## Why Make This Recipe
This is a classic, time-tested recipe loved for its hearty character. The aroma of slowly caramelizing onions coupled with the soulful flavors makes it a comfort dish hard to resist. Whether you are an amateur or a professional cook, this soup is simple to make yet rewards you with a sophisticated taste and a wonderful mouthfeel.
## How To Make French Onion Soup
## Ingredients
– 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
– 3 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 6 cups beef broth
– 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Toasted baguette slices
– 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
## Directions
1. Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring frequently for about 25-30 minutes.
3. Sprinkle sugar over onions to speed up caramelization.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Deglaze the pot with white wine, scraping up all the browned bits. Let it simmer until the wine is mostly gone.
6. Add the beef broth and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes.
7. Preheat your broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a slice of toasted baguette and sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
8. Put the bowls on a baking sheet and broil until the cheese is golden and bubbling, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
## How to Serve French Onion Soup
Serve this soup hot from the broiler. The melt-in-mouth cheese, crunchy baguette slice and heart-warming soup provides a delightful variety of textures and flavours. It stands on its own as a hearty meal, or it can be served as part of a multi-course dinner.
## How to Store French Onion Soup
You can store the soup sans the bread and cheese in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup, add the toasted baguette slices and cheese topping, then broil.
## Tips to Make French Onion Soup
1. Make sure to caramelize the onions properly, as it adds to the character and flavor of the soup.
2. Do not rush the simmering process. Taking your time here enhances the depth of flavor.
3. Use good-quality beef broth for the best taste.
4. If you don’t have Gruyère cheese, you can substitute it with Swiss, Fontina, or a mild Provolone.
## Variation
For vegetarian rendition, you can substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth.
## FAQs
1. **What kind of onions should I use for French Onion Soup?** – Yellow onions are ideal for this recipe. They caramelize well and provide a traditional flavor.
2. **Can French Onion Soup be frozen?** – Yes, you can freeze French Onion Soup. However, freeze it without the bread and cheese topping, adding those fresh when you’re ready to serve.
3. **Can I use another kind of alcohol for this recipe?** – The white wine can be substituted with red wine or a dry sherry. If you prefer to skip the alcohol, just add in a bit more broth instead.