Try this classic French onion soup recipe today
Originating from France, French onion soup is a traditional dish that dates back to the 18th century. It's known for its rich and caramelized onion flavor, often served with a crusty bread topping. This soup has become a staple in French cuisine and has gained popularity worldwide for its comforting qualities. Ready to warm up with this classic dish? Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
To make this savory soup, you will need four large onions (thinly sliced), two tablespoons of unsalted butter, one tablespoon of olive oil, one teaspoon of sugar, two tablespoons of all-purpose flour, eight cups of vegetable broth, one bay leaf, half a teaspoon of dried thyme, salt and pepper to taste, four slices of crusty bread, and one cup of grated cheese.
Begin with the onions
Melt the butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions, stirring until they are coated with the butter mixture. To help them caramelize, sprinkle sugar over the onions. Cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn golden brown. Patience is crucial for caramelization, which brings out the onions' sweetness.
Make the soup base
Sprinkle flour over caramelized onions and cook for another two minutes, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the soup. Slowly pour in vegetable broth while continuing to stir. Add bay leaf and dried thyme, then season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Prepare bread topping
While the soup gently simmers, prepare the bread topping. Toast the crusty bread slices until golden brown and crisp, using either an oven or a toaster based on availability. These toasted slices are essential, as they will later be used to top the soup, offering a crunchy texture and a toasty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich onion broth.
Assemble and serve
Once your soup has finished simmering, discard the bay leaf and ladle it into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each serving and sprinkle generously with grated cheese. Broil in the oven until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned this should take about three minutes. Serve hot for a cozy and satisfying meal.
