French Onion Gnocchi Soup may sound like a fancy dish, but it’s incredibly easy to make and very satisfying. The combination of slow-cooked onions, hearty gnocchi, and melted cheese is pure comfort food on a chilly day!
Time
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is for anyone who loves French onion soup but is looking for a more substantial version or loves gnocchi and wants to try it in a new way. This soup marries two great dishes into one delicious comfort food. Besides, it’s easy, made with affordable ingredients, and very fulfilling.
How to Make French Onion Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients:
– 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lb potato gnocchi
– 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
1. Melt the butter and olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in the sliced onions and cook until they are caramelized to a deep golden brown. This should take about 20 minutes.
2. Pour in the white wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Add the broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Stir in the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface and are tender. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove the bay leaf, ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with the cheese, and garnish with the parsley.
How to Serve French Onion Gnocchi Soup
Serve the soup hot, right after sprinkling with fresh Gruyère cheese to let it melt a bit. A side of crusty bread is perfect to sop up all the lovely flavors. This soup is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening.
How to Store French Onion Gnocchi Soup
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Tips to Make French Onion Gnocchi Soup
– Make sure to cook the onions until they are beautifully caramelized. It’s this process that gives the soup its signature deep, sweet, rich flavor.
– If possible, use fresh thyme which brings out a better flavor profile in the soup.
– Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi. They are done as soon as they float to the top.
Variations
For a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and use a vegan cheese instead of Gruyère.
FAQs
Can I use red or white onions instead of yellow onions?
– Yellow onions are preferable because of their natural sweetness, which deepens as they caramelize. If you only have red or white onions on hand, you can use them, but the flavor may be slightly different.
Can I freeze this soup?
– It’s better to consume this soup fresh. But if you need to freeze it, do it without the gnocchi as it can become mushy when thawed and reheated.
What can I use instead of Gruyère Cheese?
– If you can’t find Gruyère cheese, you can use other types of Swiss cheese, or even Mozzarella or Provolone.