Introduction
There’s nothing more comforting than a hot bowl of Easy French Onion Soup on a chilly evening. This timeless classic never goes out of style, is packed with the richness of caramelized onions, and finished off with an ooey-gooey melted cheese topping. The best part? You don’t need to be an experienced chef to whip it up!
Why Make This Recipe
Making this French Onion Soup is not just easy, it allows you to bring a slice of authentic French cuisine right to your dinner table. With simple ingredients you can find in your kitchen and a few straightforward steps, this could be your next favorite go-to soup recipe.
How to Make Easy French Onion Soup
Before we start cooking, make sure to slice the onions thinly. This allows them to simmer and caramelize evenly, bringing out their natural sweet flavor.
Ingredients:
– 4 large yellow onions
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp sugar
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 2 tbsp brandy or cognac (optional)
– 1 baguette
– 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– Salt and black pepper
Directions:
1. Begin by caramelizing the onions in a pot with melted butter and olive oil.
2. Stir in flour, followed by wine if using, beef broth, and water.
3. Allow this to simmer, add in the seasoning, and finish off with brandy or cognac prior to serving.
4. Layer the onion soup with toasted baguette slices and grated cheese, place it under the broiler until the cheese bubbles and turns brown.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Easy French Onion Soup
This French Onion Soup can be a meal on its own, thanks to its rich and hearty ingredients. Alternatively, it can be served as a starter for a fancy French dinner, followed by a main dish like Coq au Vin or Beef Bourguignon.
How to Store Easy French Onion Soup
The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to store it for longer, freeze the soup (without the bread and cheese topping). When ready to eat, defrost, reheat it on the stove, add the bread and cheese, then broil.
Tips to Make Easy French Onion Soup
1. Control the heat and stir regularly while caramelizing the onions. This allows the onions to cook evenly without burning.
2. Always grate your own cheese for the best melting results. Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the melting process.
Variation
If you’re vegetarian, swap the beef broth with a hearty vegetable broth to still get a deep, rich flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of onions? Yellow onions work best for this recipe due to their natural sweet flavor. But you can experiment with other types, like red or white onions for different flavors.
2. Can I use other types of cheese? Gruyère cheese is the traditional choice because of its melting properties and strong flavor. Alternatives could be Swiss, Fontina or a mild Provolone.
3. Is the white wine and brandy essential? Both the wine and brandy add a depth of flavor, but they can also be left out if you prefer. The soup will still be delicious without them.