French Onion Soup
by Feli Chic'Cuisine
A great classic of French cuisine, Onion Soup is savory, comforting and easy to prepare. That soup is absolutely delicious with its crispy golden crust, melted cheese, beef stock, and caramelised onions.
What could be more comforting on a chilly day than a hot bowl of French onion soup? The combination of melty Gruyere cheese and caramelized onions is even more delicious with thick slices of toasted bread.
The French Onion Soup is a highly nutritious dish. Onions contain antioxidants and compounds that fight inflammation, decrease triglycerides and reduce cholesterol levels.
Onion soups have existed in Europe since ancient Roman and Greek times. Because they were so abundant, onions were considered a poor person's food. Medieval recipes boiled onions in water to make a soup.
"About as good as it gets! This is the version of French Onion Soup that people seek when they go to restaurants. I have been making it for 30 years and it never fails to please. It makes an exquisite presentation, too!"
Prep. Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 60 min
Serves: 4
Ingredients
230g butter
4 medium white onions, thinly sliced
2 large garlic cloves, finely minced
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground, more to taste
1 cup red wine, Cabernet or Merlot
40g all-purpose flour
2 quarts beef broth
1 baguette or french bread, sliced
350g Gouda cheese, Emmental or good Swiss cheese, grated
Method
1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook for approximately half an hour, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, deep golden brown and very fragrant.
2. Add the red wine, and simmer until the wine has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Carefully sprinkle the flour over the onions, a bit at a time, stirring well, Reduce heat to low, and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir in beef broth. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce to a simmer. Season with salt and freshly grounded black pepper.
3. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and broil 3 minutes, turning once, until toasted on both sides. Remove from heat; do not turn off broiler.
4. Arrange 4 large oven safe bowls on a baking sheet. Fill each bowl 2/3 full with hot soup. Top each bowl with 1 slice toasted bread and sprinkle a generous handful of the Gouda cheese.
5. Broil 5 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. As it softens, the cheese will cascade over the sides of the crock and form a beautifully melted crusty seal. Serve immediately!
Enjoy!
“Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy. And cooking done with care is an act of love." ― Craig Claiborne
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