Steps to Make Classic French Onion Soup

French onion soup is a rich and flavorful dish, traditionally made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and topped with crusty bread and melted cheese. Here’s how you can make this classic soup at home.

Essential Ingredients and Tools

Ingredients:

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 6 cups beef broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 baguette, sliced
• 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)

Tools:

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle
• Baking sheet
• Oven-safe soup bowls or ramekins

Steps to Make French Onion Soup

1. Prepare the Onions:
   • Peel and thinly slice the onions.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
   • In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
   • Sprinkle the onions with sugar to help with caramelization.
   • Continue cooking for an additional 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized. Be patient, as this process is crucial for developing the soup’s rich flavor.
3. Add Garlic and Deglaze:
   • Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • If using, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the wine has mostly evaporated.
4. Simmer the Soup:
   • Add the beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
   • Remove the bay leaf before serving.
5. Prepare the Bread:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Slice the baguette into rounds and place them on a baking sheet.
   • Toast the bread in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. You can rub the toasted slices with a cut garlic clove for extra flavor.
6. Assemble and Serve:
   • Preheat your oven’s broiler.
   • Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or ramekins.
   • Place a slice or two of toasted baguette on top of each bowl of soup.
   • Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese over the bread.
7. Broil the Cheese:
   • Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. This should take about 2-4 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they will be very hot) and serve the French onion soup immediately. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of the caramelized onions, beef broth, and melted cheese.

Tips for Perfect French Onion Soup

• Patience is Key: Take your time caramelizing the onions. This process develops the deep, sweet flavor essential to French onion soup.
• Broth Quality: Use high-quality beef broth or homemade stock for the best flavor.
• Cheese Selection: Gruyère cheese is traditional, but you can use Swiss cheese or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
• Serving: French onion soup is best served hot and fresh from the oven with the cheese still bubbling.

By following these steps and tips, you can create a delicious and authentic French onion soup that will warm your soul and impress your guests. Enjoy the comforting and rich flavors of this classic dish!