French onion soup is a classic comfort food with its rich, savory broth and caramelized onions topped with melted cheese and crusty bread. This recipe simplifies the process, making it easy to recreate this restaurant favorite at home.
Ingredients for Simple French Onion Soup:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 8 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Baguette, sliced
- Gruyere cheese, grated
How to Make Simple French Onion Soup:
- In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sugar to the onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant.
- Deglaze the pot with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the wine has reduced slightly.
- Add the beef broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until they are lightly golden brown.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyere cheese over the baguette slices.
- Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the soup hot, being careful as the bowls will be hot to the touch.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Onions: Yellow onions are traditionally used in French onion soup for their strong flavor and ability to caramelize beautifully.
- Beef Broth: Provides a rich, savory base for the soup. You can use store-bought beef broth or make your own for a more flavorful soup.
- Gruyere Cheese: This cheese is the perfect complement to the rich broth and sweet onions. It melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor to the dish.
Enjoy this simple French onion soup as a comforting and delicious meal on a chilly day!
