There is nothing more comforting on a cold day than a steamy bowl of delicious French onion soup. Especially when it's full of caramelized onions and topped off with a thick slice of toasted bread loaded with mouth-watering melted cheese.
There are two essential components of a great French onion soup.
The first is the stock. Your soup will only ever be as good as the stock that you're using. This soup is traditionally made with beef stock, though sometimes a decent beef stock can be hard to come by and pretty expensive to make. If you're using boxed stock, be sure to taste it first. If the taste isn't to your liking, simply don't use it. If you cook a lot of beef, save the scraps and freeze them to make a stock with later.
The second important element is properly caramelized onions. Caramelizing the amount of onions that are needed in this recipe will take around 40 minutes. Caramelizing is a chemical process that only occurs when the sugars in the onion reach a certain temperature. This will only happen after a long cooking time - the more caramelized, the deeper the color of the onions and the more flavor you will get.
French Onion Soup (Serves 4-6)
Ingredients
• 6 large red or yellow onions (about 3 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced root to stem - about 10 cups of sliced onions total
• 4 Tbsp Olive oil
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups of beef stock, chicken stock, or a combination of the two (traditionally the soup is made with beef stock)
• 1/2 cup of dry vermouth or dry white wine
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 teaspoons of fresh thyme (can also use a few sprigs of fresh thyme) OR 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp brandy (optional)
• 8 inch-thick slices of French bread or baguette
• 1 1/2 cups of grated Swiss Gruyere and a sprinkling of Parmesan
Method
1. Caramelize the onions: In a 5 to 6 quart thick-bottomed pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat. add the onions and toss to coat with the olive oil.
2. Cook the onions, occasionally stirring, until they have softened, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Cook, stirring often, until the onions have started to brown, about 15 minutes more.
4. Sprinkle with sugar (to help with the caramelization) and then add 1 teaspoon of salt and continue to cook until the onions are well browned, around 10-15 minutes more.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for a further minute.
6. Deglaze the pot with vermouth: Add the vermouth to the pot and scrape up the browned bits on the sides and bottoms of the pot, deglazing the pot as you go.
7. Add stock and seasonings: Add the stock, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover the pot and lower the heat so that you maintain a low simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes.
8. Season to taste with more salt and add freshly ground black pepper. Discard the bay leaves. Add brandy if you're using it.
9. Toast French bread slices: While your soup is simmering, line a sheet pan with foil and preheat the oven to 450°F with a rack on the upper third of the oven.
10. Brush both sides of the French bread or baguette slices lightly with olive oil.
11. Put in the oven and toast until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the oven, turn the toasts over and sprinkle with the grated cheese. Return to the oven when it's close to serving time, and bake until the cheese is bubbling and light brown.
12. Ladle soup into a bowl and place one cheesy toast on top of each bowl to serve.
Source: simplyrecipes
These Tasty French Baguettes Go Well With Everything!
Love French baguettes? If the answer to this question is yes, then you're in luck as we're going to show you how to make them.
This Tasty Soup Will Become One of Your Favorite Dishes!
This Tuscan white bean & kale soup is healthy as well as hearty. Here's how you can make it.
This Hearty Tomato and Shrimp Soup Will Warm Your Bones
Learn how to make a hearty and healthy tomato and prawn soup.
Make a Delicious Nettle Soup in No Time at All...
This recipe will show you how to make a delicious nettle soup.
These Delicious Onion Rings Will Impress All Your Guests
Here’s how you can make some tasty homemade onion rings that are just as good as those from the local diner.
These British Desserts Look Fancy, But Are Easy to Make!
American pie sure is delicious, but when it comes to baking incredibly tasty desserts, the Brits come well out on top. Here are 4 delicious British desserts.
How to Make the Most Delicious Breakfast Bread Ever!
This bread is not only easy to make but also perfect for those cozy mornings when you want something warm and comforting.
The Perfectly Seared Steak: All You Need to Know
Now that its winter, our steak cooking options are fairly limited to the stove and oven, but this isn’t a bad thing...
3 Glasses of Sunshine: Drink Recipes for the Hot Weather
Spring and summer are on their way, so what better time than to start perfecting your drink making skills. These sunny juices will quench your gaping thirst.
13 Delicious Juice Recipes to Detox Your Body With...
Follow this guide to learn how to make 13 delicious juices that'll help you detoxify your body.
Guide: The Right Seasoning Can Do Wonders!
A steak is easy to make. A well seasoned one, though, can make all the difference.
9 Creative Recipes That'll Get You Drinking More Water
There's no need to buy "flavored water" when you can easily make your own at a fraction of the cost and with far less sugar.
These Peppers Are So Hot, They’ll Blow Your Mind!
Spice is great for every diet and these peppers from all over are perfect for making any dish the searing hot with only a small amount.
The KFC Secret Recipe Cat Is Out of the Bag - Here it Is
Colonel Sanders' nephew reveals the original secret recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Impress Your Guests With This Easily Made Apple Swan!
A simple and easy way to beautify any set table with beautiful little apple swans!
Here's How to Make the Tastiest Salad Dressing!
These charts briefly explain how best to go about making a variety of delicious salad dressings.
The 12 Best Foods for Your Abs!
Introducing the 12 best foods to burn excess stomach fat and keep your body trimmed and thin.
An Innovative Twist Using Eggs for a Healthy Breakfast Idea
Eggs are one of my favorite food. They are so versatile and can be used in a number of ways. Check out this innovative recipe.
What Would You Pay For the Best Bottle of Scotch On Earth?
These incredible liquors are only available in small numbers and have been sold for extremely hefty prices exclusively for the elite
These Are the Healthiest Hash Browns Ever Prepared!
Yes, you can have hash browns for breakfast, with this healthy and delicious cauliflower alternative recipe. Watch and learn!
I Never Realized You Can Serve a Watermelon Like This!
In this article, you’ll find creative serving suggestions, efficient ways to cut a watermelon, and even a guide to choosing the perfect specimen.
You Do Not Need Outdoor Space to Grow These Common Fruits
You do not need any outdoor space to grow these delicious, common fruits.
How to Make Delicious and Healthy Avocado Chocolate Cake
Everyone thinks cakes are unhealthy, but it doesn't always have to be the case! This tasty and healthy chocolate avocado cake is a great example of this!
These Halloween Cupcakes Are Simply the Best!
Halloween is always a fun time of year, but it's about to become more delicious and more fun thanks to this gorgeous trio of cupcakes! Here's the recipe.
These Simple Recipes Will Make Use of Your Instant Pot
True to its name, this new invention can make a variety of meals instantly. But if you're feeling intimidated about what to prepare, fear not, we've got 4 simple recipes for you to try.
Cook the Juiciest Chicken Breasts Ever With This Recipe
Chicken breasts are easy to cook, but they need to be cooked properly to be enjoyed. This recipe will ensure you cook the tastiest chicken breasts imaginable.
15 Delicious Street Foods to Try When You Go Traveling
The world is full of inventive dishes and each country boasts a signature street food. Here are the best street foods from around the world.
I Hope These Essential Kitchen Tips Make Your Life Easier
These tips will make you a master of your kitchen.
What EVERYONE Should Know About Fruits and Veggies
Amazing facts you probably don't know about the best things we should all eat every day.
Bring Variety to Your Morning With 10 Iced Coffee Drinks
Bring variety to your breakfast with these delicious and refreshing iced coffee drinks!
After Reading This, You'll Never Buy Expensive Meat Again!
Do you know what the major difference between a cheap and an expensive cut of meat is? Here are 5 effective methods of making tough cuts of meat taste absolutely heavenly!
6 Tasty Cakes You Can Make with Just a Mug and a Microwave
If you are a dessert lover, you need to see these fantastic cake recipes you can make in a mug and cook in the microwave. They're absolutely delicious!
Quick Tip: Cook Fish Without Risk of Burning!
Learn to easily eliminate the biggest problem you're faced with when cooking fish.
6 Mistakes We Make When Making Scrambled Eggs
If you want to make the perfect scrambled egg, follow these 6 simple tips.
Why Spend Money On Yogurt When You Can Make It Yourself?
Why spend money on buying yogurt when you can make it easily at home with just two ingredients?
Avocados Are Incredibly Versatile, as These 6 Recipes Show
Avocados are more versatile than you ever imagined, and I'm sure these 6 recipes will make you want to include them in your diet from hereon.
This is the Fluffiest Omelet You'll EVER Make!
If you like your breakfast eggs fluffy but juicy, don't miss out on this mouthwatering Soufflé Omelet recipe!
These 3-Ingredient Cookie Recipes Will Melt in Your Mouth
These 6 cookie recipes only require 3 ingredients!
How to Make Delicious Vegan Bolognese
Bolognese is a great comfort food. Most people think that you need to use meat to make a great Bolognese, but, as this recipe proves, this is not the case.
This Crispy Lemon Pie Is Made From Just One Batter!
It's hard to believe how this delicious dessert's creamy filling and perfect crunchy crust is made. Take a look and save the recipe.
6 Delicious Tuna Recipes You Just Have to Try
Fish dishes are an easy and great way to provide ourselves and people close to us fast and healthy meals full of protein and amino acids. These 6 different recipes use tuna fish in its many forms!
9 Ice Cream Recipes You Can Make with a Food Processor
9 easy, healthier ice cream recipes that you can prepare in a food processor.
5 Best Ways to Prepare Fish While Keeping them Nutritious
In this article, we'll explore the eight most common ways of preparing fish and their effects on this beloved and healthy food.
Who Knew Salad Dressings Could Be So Healthy?
Who knew salad dressings could be so healthy and easy to make?
Surprise Everyone By Serving Them a Cake Inside an Egg!
No one will see this coming, these eggs contain little cakes...
8 Absolutely Terrific Things You Can Make With Carrots
Here are a few fantastic recipes that are healthy and easy-to-make, and make sure you get your daily dose of carrots.
These 10 Superfoods Are Extremely Beneficial to Our Health
These 10 Superfoods are extremely good for you. Read on to find out what they are and how they are beneficial to our bodies.