Classic French Onion Soup (Traditional Recipe with Perfect Caramelized Onions)

Classic French Onion Soup (Traditional Recipe with Perfect Caramelized Onions)

Quick Info:

Prep Time: 30-45 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5-2 hours
Total Time: 2-3 hours
Servings: 4-6
Difficulty: Moderate
Dietary: Contains gluten, dairy

Equipment Needed:

– Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
– Sharp knife
– Wooden spoon
– Oven-safe soup bowls
– Cheese grater
Alternative: Slow cooker can replace Dutch oven

Ingredients:

For the Soup Base:

– 3.5 lbs (1.6kg) yellow onions, thinly sliced
– 4 tbsp (60g) European-style butter
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional)
– 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine or vermouth
– 6 cups (1.4L) beef broth
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
– Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

– 1 French baguette, sliced 1-inch thick
– 2 cups (200g) Gruyère cheese, grated
(Can substitute with Swiss cheese)

Method:

1. Slice onions thinly and evenly (about 1/8 inch thickness).
2. Heat Dutch oven over medium heat and melt butter.
3. Add onions, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until translucent.
4. Uncover and cook for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes until deep golden brown (KEY: Onions should be mahogany colored, not blonde).
5. Add garlic, cook for 1 minute.
6. Sprinkle flour (if using), cook for 1 minute.
7. Add wine, scraping bottom of pot to release browned bits.
8. Pour in broth, add bay leaf and thyme.
9. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
10. Meanwhile, toast baguette slices at 400°F (200°C) for 5-8 minutes.
11. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.
12. Top with toasted bread and generous cheese.
13. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Crucial Tips:

• Never rush caramelizing onions – it’s the foundation of flavor.
• Use real Gruyère cheese if possible.
• Keep onion slices uniform for even cooking.
• Don’t stir onions too frequently while caramelizing.

Storage & Variations:

Storage:

– Refrigerate soup base up to 4 days.
– Freeze without bread/cheese up to 3 months.

Common Mistakes:

• Adding onions to a cold pot.
• Rushing the caramelization process.
• Using pre-grated cheese.
• Not using oven-safe bowls.

Variations:

• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth.
• Gluten-free: Use GF bread.
• Extra rich: Mix beef and chicken broth.
• Wine-free: Use extra broth instead.