She Strengthens

French Onion Soup: Elevate Your Flavor Game

The Perfect Broth

When it comes to French onion soup, the broth is the star of the show. To create a rich, flavorful base, start by melting 6 ounces of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 8 large onions (or 12 small ones), thinly sliced, and cook until they’re soft and dark brown, stirring occasionally. This will take around 20 minutes, but trust us, it’s worth the wait.

Add a Touch of Luxury

Next, increase the heat to medium-high and stir in 2 ounces of port wine and 2 ounces of balsamic vinegar, scraping up all the brown goodness from the bottom of the pot. Add 2 quarts of dark chicken stock (or low-sodium chicken or beef broth) and 4 ounces of slab bacon, cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Finally, add a bouquet garni (see note) and bring to a boil.

Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to a simmer and season with salt and pepper. Let the broth cook for 45 minutes to an hour, skimming off any foam that rises to the top. Remove the bouquet garni and you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Croutons and Cheese: The Perfect Topping

While the broth is cooking, prepare your croutons and cheese. Slice a baguette into thin rounds, toast them in the oven with a little olive oil, and set aside. You’ll need 16 croutons in total. Grate 12 ounces of real, imported Gruyère cheese – yes, it’s worth the splurge!

Assemble and Serve

Ladle the hot broth into individual ovenproof soup crocks. Float two croutons side by side on top of each, followed by a generous helping of grated cheese. Place each crock under a preheated broiler until the cheese melts, bubbles, and browns. Alternatively, use a propane torch to add a crispy, caramelized finish. Serve immediately, and be careful – you don’t want to spill a single drop!

Beverage Pairing

For a perfect pairing, try an Argyle Pinot Noir from Oregon. This wine captures the middle ground, with deep plum and berry fruit flavors, a touch of smoke, and a lush texture that complements the soup beautifully.

Game Plan

Before you start, make sure to prepare your bouquet garni. This will ensure that your broth is infused with the perfect blend of herbs and spices. Yield: 8 servings.