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French Onion Soup

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    Here’s a detailed recipe for French Onion Soup, a comforting and flavorful dish that combines sweet, caramelized onions with a rich, savory broth and a golden layer of melted cheese over crispy bread. This recipe captures the classic French bistro experience.
    Introduction

    French Onion Soup is a timeless French dish that features deeply caramelized onions, simmered in a rich beef broth, and topped with a crusty baguette slice and melted Gruyère cheese. It’s a hearty, flavorful soup perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something warm and comforting.
    Ingredients

    4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
    3 tablespoons unsalted butter
    2 tablespoons olive oil
    1 teaspoon sugar
    2 garlic cloves, minced
    1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
    1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
    6 cups beef broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
    1 bay leaf
    2-3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
    Salt and black pepper, to taste
    1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
    1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
    Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

    Directions

    continued on next page

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    Caramelizing the Onions

    Heat the Oil and Butter:
    In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted.
    Add the Onions:
    Add the thinly sliced onions to the pot and stir to coat them in the oil and butter.
    Caramelize the Onions:
    Cook the onions, stirring frequently, for about 30-40 minutes, until they are soft, golden brown, and caramelized.
    After about 15 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of sugar to help the onions caramelize and become sweet. Be patient with this step as it’s essential to the soup’s flavor.
    Add Garlic:
    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

    Building the Soup

    Add the Flour:
    Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. This will help thicken the soup slightly.
    Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
    Add the white wine to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until mostly evaporated.
    Add Broth and Herbs:
    Pour in the beef broth, add the bay leaf and thyme, and bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes to develop the flavors.
    Season:
    Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.

    Preparing the Topping

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    Toast the Baguette:
    While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, until golden and crisp.
    Add Cheese:
    Remove the baguette slices from the oven and top them with a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese (and Parmesan if using).

    Assembling the Soup

    Broil the Topping:
    Set your oven to broil. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place a toasted baguette slice on top of each, and sprinkle with additional Gruyère cheese.
    Melt the Cheese:
    Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

    Serving

    Garnish and Serve:
    Serve the French Onion Soup hot, garnished with fresh thyme or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Be careful when serving as the bowls will be hot from the broiler.
    Enjoy: Break through the cheesy, crispy top to enjoy the savory, sweet, and richly flavored soup beneath.

    Tips for Success

    Onions: Be patient when caramelizing the onions. They need to cook slowly to release their natural sugars, which gives the soup its signature sweetness.
    Broth: Homemade beef broth or a high-quality low-sodium beef broth works best for deep flavor.
    Cheese: Gruyère is the traditional choice for this dish, but Swiss or even a sharp white cheddar can work as a substitute.

    Conclusion

    French Onion Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that combines caramelized onions, rich broth, crispy baguette, and melted cheese. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and cozy warmth.

    This recipe provides all the steps to create a French Onion Soup that’s every bit as delicious as the ones served in French bistros. Enjoy this cozy classic with your loved ones!

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