French onion soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for those chilly days when you need something warm and satisfying. This delicious recipe features the deep, rich flavor of caramelized onions, simmered with beef stock, brandy, and white wine, and topped with crusty French bread and melted Gruyere cheese. Letโs explore how to recreate this cozy classic in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- Butter โ 57 g (1/4 cup)
- Onions โ 1360 g (about 3 pounds or 4-6 large onions)
- Beef stock โ 1200-1440 ml (5-6 cups)
- Garlic cloves โ 3, minced
- All-purpose flour โ 2 tablespoons
- Thyme sprigs โ few, to taste
- Bay leaf โ 1
- Salt โ to taste
- Black pepper โ 1/2 teaspoon, freshly cracked, to taste
- Brandy โ 3 tablespoons
- Dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc recommended) โ 240 ml (1 cup)
- French bread โ a few slices
- Gruyere cheese โ 240 g (about 1 cup), grated
Steps to Make French Onion Soup
- Prepare the Onions
Peel and slice the onions into thin rounds, about 3-6 mm (1/8-1/4 inch) thick. A thinner slice will help with even caramelization. - Sautรฉ Onions in Butter
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, season with salt, and cover the pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the onions are softened and start releasing their moisture. - Caramelize the Onions
Uncover the pot and continue to cook the onions over medium heat, stirring every few minutes for about an hour until they become golden brown and caramelized. Add a tablespoon of water if they start to burn. - Add Garlic and Flour
Stir in minced garlic and sprinkle flour over the onions. Cook while stirring for another minute to cook off the raw flour taste. - Deglaze with Wine
Slowly pour the white wine into the pot, deglazing and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the alcohol to evaporate and the wine to enrich the onions. - Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the beef stock, and add thyme, bay leaf, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for about 20 minutes until the flavors meld. - Finish with Brandy
Stir in the brandy and let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to cook off the alcohol. - Broil with Bread and Cheese
Set the oven to high broil at 260ยฐC (500ยฐF). Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with slices of French bread, and sprinkle with Gruyere cheese. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for about two minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
And there you have itโa delightful bowl of French onion soup, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. The rich flavor and hearty components make it a comforting indulgence, especially when shared with loved ones. Enjoy your creation!
