There’s something undeniably comforting about a piping hot bowl of French onion soup. This classic dish, with its rich, deeply flavored broth and melted cheese topping, has the power to transport you to a cozy Parisian café with just one bite. But fear not, you don’t need to book a flight to France to experience this culinary delight. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can create an authentic and irresistible French onion soup right in your own kitchen.
Imagine the aroma of caramelized onions wafting through your home, mingling with the heady scent of beef broth and a hint of thyme. As you ladle the steaming liquid into bowls and top it with crusty bread and a generous layer of melted Gruyère cheese, you’ll feel like a master chef, ready to impress your loved ones with a taste of true French comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry or white wine (optional)
- 4 slices French bread, toasted
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
2. Add the bay leaf, beef broth, and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes. If using, stir in the sherry or white wine during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
3. Preheat your oven’s broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls or ramekins, and place a slice of toasted bread on top of each one. Generously sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the bread.
4. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
5. Carefully remove the hot bowls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this classic French onion soup, and savor the melted cheese topping with every bite.