Description
A comforting French onion soup featuring slow-caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese, perfect for cozy nights and simple dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (about 120 ml)
- 6 cups beef broth (1.4 liters), low-sodium preferred
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 slices baguette, toasted
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (about 200 grams)
Instructions
- Peel and thinly slice 4 large yellow onions about 1/8 inch thick.
- Heat 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook slowly for 30-40 minutes until deep golden brown and sweet, adding a splash of water if onions start to stick.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour over onions and stir vigorously to coat evenly. Cook for 2 more minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine, scraping the bottom to lift browned bits. Simmer and reduce slightly for about 3 minutes.
- Add 6 cups beef broth, 1 bay leaf, and 2 sprigs fresh thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf and thyme stems before serving.
- Preheat oven broiler. Toast 6 slices of baguette until golden and crisp. Shred 2 cups Gruyère cheese finely.
- Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each, then pile generously with shredded Gruyère. Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately, letting cool for a minute or two before enjoying.
Notes
Use low and slow heat to caramelize onions for best flavor. Freshly grate Gruyère cheese for optimal melting. Watch cheese closely when broiling to avoid burning. For vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and use vegetarian-friendly cheese. Gluten-free options include gluten-free flour and bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with bread an
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: French onion soup, Gruyère cheese, caramelized onions, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy dinner