Classic French Onion Soup
Experience a culinary journey to the heart of France with this Classic French Onion Soup. This comforting dish, with its rich, savory depth of caramelized onions, a splash of white wine, and a hearty beef stock, is a timeless favorite. The crowning glory is the melted, golden brown Gruyère cheese over a crispy slice of baguette. This dish is perfect for a cozy evening and a true testament to the simplicity and elegance of French cuisine. Suitable for four, this dish is designed to captivate and satisfy.
Ingredients
- 6 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 liter beef stock
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 200ml white wine
- 50g butter
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 100g Gruyère cheese, grated
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh thyme
Method
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, stirring to release any browned bits. Cook for about 5 minutes until the wine is reduced by half.
- Add the beef stock and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200°C. Drizzle the baguette slices with olive oil and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes, until golden brown.
- Turn the oven to a broil setting. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place a slice of baguette on top of each bowl, and sprinkle with the grated Gruyère cheese.
- Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and serve hot.
Tips
- For a deeper flavor, cook the onions slowly over a low heat until richly caramelized.
- Use a good quality beef stock for the best depth of flavor.
- Gruyère cheese is essential for its melting quality and nutty flavor, but you can use a good quality Swiss cheese as an alternative.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Element | Per 100g | Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 135 kcal (565 kJ) | 315 kcal (1316 kJ) |
| Fat | 6g | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 33g |
| Sugars | 4g | 9g |
| Proteins | 5g | 11g |
| Salt | 1g | 2.3g |
