How To Make The Best French Onion Soup
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Recipe Overview
Overview
French onion soup is a timeless classic that warms the soul, especially during the colder months. The process begins with the labor-intensive task of caramelizing onions, which transforms their natural sugars into a sweet, rich flavor that forms the backbone of the dish. As the onions cook down, they release moisture, creating a beautiful golden color that signals they are ready for the next steps.
Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, the addition of roasted beef bones and a good-quality beef broth elevates the soup to new heights. The depth of flavor is further enhanced with a splash of bourbon or red wine, which adds a delightful complexity. This soup is not just about the broth; it’s about layering flavors and textures, especially when topped with crusty bread and melted cheese.
The final touch is the broiling of the cheese-topped bread, which creates a bubbly, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the rich soup underneath. Each spoonful is a comforting blend of savory broth, sweet onions, and gooey cheese, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or a cozy night in. This recipe is sure to impress anyone who tries it, and it’s a wonderful way to showcase the beauty of simple ingredients transformed through careful cooking.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Tip: Roasting bones adds deep flavor to the stock.
Coat oxtail bones with olive oil and salt, then roast in a 425° oven until golden brown.
Roughly chop carrots, celery, and cut garlic head in half, then add to the roasting pan.
Thinly slice 3 lbs of onions and set aside.
Melt half a stick of butter in a heavy pot or Dutch oven.
Add sliced onions to the pot and stir occasionally.
Tip: Add salt and sugar to speed up the caramelization process.
Tip: Use low-sodium beef broth for better flavor control.
Pour in 3 quarts of beef broth and add roasted vegetables and bones.
Let the mixture simmer for about 1-2 hours.
Tip: Wait for liquid to evaporate before caramelizing onions for better color.
Tip: Cook off alcohol from bourbon or wine to enhance flavor.
Add cherry wine to the pot and cook off the alcohol.
Let the soup simmer for another 30 minutes.
Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Melt butter and mix with garlic pepper seasoning, then coat the bread.
Place the coated bread in the oven at 425° until golden brown.
Ladle soup into bowls, add cheese, and top with toasted bread.
Tip: Use flavorful seasonings on the bread for added taste.
Tip: Ensure a good balance of soup, cheese, and bread in each serving.
Broil the assembled soup until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with parsley and Parmesan before serving.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Bread
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Caramelizing onions requires patience but results in a deep, sweet flavor.
- •Using a mix of beef broth and roasted bones enhances the soup's richness.
- •Bourbon or wine can add complexity to the flavor profile of French onion soup.
- •The key to a great French onion soup is the balance of flavors from the broth, onions, and cheese.
