French Onion Soup Recipe

Delight your senses with the rich and comforting flavors of French Onion Soup.

This classic dish, characterized by caramelized onions, savory broth, and a bubbly layer of melted cheese, is a timeless favorite.

Follow this simple recipe to create a homemade version that captures the essence of this French culinary gem.

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 8 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Baguette slices, toasted
• 2 cups Gruyère or Swiss cheese, grated

Instructions:

1. In a large soup pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the thinly sliced onions to the pot, stirring to coat them with the butter and oil. Cook the onions for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown.

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4. Sprinkle sugar over the caramelized onions and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes. This helps enhance the caramelization.

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6. If using white wine, pour it into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to cook down for about 5 minutes.

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8. Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

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10. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and add the bay leaves. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

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12. While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven's broiler.

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14. Remove the bay leaves from the soup and discard them.

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16. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a few toasted baguette slices on top of the soup, then generously sprinkle grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the bread.

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18. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a golden-brown crust.

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20. Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they will be hot), let them cool for a few minutes, and serve your homemade French Onion Soup piping hot.

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Enjoy the warmth and depth of flavors in this classic French Onion Soup, perfect for a cozy evening or as an impressive starter for a special meal.