French Onion Soup Recipe: Effortless Classic with Gruyère

French Onion Soup Recipe: Effortless Classic with Gruyère

French Onion Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that warms the soul with its rich, savoury broth and caramelized onions. This timeless recipe is a true classic that has stood the test of time, delighting taste buds with every spoonful. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, robust beef broth, and melted Gruyère cheese makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a cosy meal on a chilly evening or want to impress your guests with a restaurant-quality starter, this French Onion Soup recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive into the steps to create this effortless classic with Gruyère.

Ingredients:

– 4 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1 tsp thyme
– 1/2 cup white wine
– 6 cups beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Baguette slices
– Gruyère cheese, grated

Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions

Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding the butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add the thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly, allowing them to caramelize and turn a rich golden brown colour. This process can take around 30-40 minutes but is essential for developing the deep, sweet flavour of the soup. Stir occasionally to prevent the onions from burning.

Step 2: Enhancing the Flavour

Once the onions have caramelized, add the minced garlic, sugar, and thyme to the pot. Cook for a few more minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, enhancing the overall flavour of the soup. Pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavours to meld together.

Step 3: Building the Broth

Next, pour in the beef broth, ensuring it covers the caramelized onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavours to deepen and meld together, creating a rich and robust broth.

Step 4: Preparing the Cheesy Topping

Meanwhile, preheat your grill and toast the baguette slices until they are lightly golden. Once toasted, sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese generously over the top of each slice. Place them under the grill until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a deliciously gooey topping for the soup.

Step 5: Serving the French Onion Soup

To serve, ladle the piping hot French Onion Soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a cheesy baguette slice, allowing it to float on top of the soup. For the final touch, place the bowls under the grill for a minute or two to melt the cheese further and create a golden crust on top.

French Onion Soup is best enjoyed hot, with the cheesy baguette adding a delightful crunch to each spoonful of rich, flavourful broth. This effortless classic with Gruyère is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection, perfect for cosy nights in or special occasions when you want to impress your guests with a gourmet touch. Enjoy the comforting flavours of this timeless dish and savour the goodness of French cuisine in every bite.