Winter is the perfect time to indulge in warm, comforting soups, and French onion soup is a classic that never goes out of style. In this blog post, I’ll share my recipe for French onion soup, along with some tips and variations to make it your own.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 quart beef or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sherry or dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese, for topping
INSTRUCTIONS
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are soft and translucent, about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the flour is absorbed into the onions.
- Gradually whisk in the broth, making sure to stir and scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add the bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- If using sherry or wine, add it to the soup and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Preheat the broiler to high. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and top with the grated cheese.
- Place the bowls under the broiler for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the soup cool for a few minutes before serving.
TIPS AND VARIATIONS
- To make the soup even more indulgent, you can add croutons or croissants to the top of the soup before broiling.
- For a vegetarian version of the soup, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar.
- If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the soup.
French onion soup is a comforting and flavorful classic that is perfect for winter. With its rich, savory flavor and melted cheese topping, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. So next time the weather is cold and you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, give this recipe a try!
