She Strengthens

French Onion Soup: A Rich and Savory Delight

Imagine a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the richness of beef broth and the creaminess of melted cheese. This French onion soup recipe is a culinary dream come true, perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure you have the following ingredients within reach:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 1/2 cups water
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 (1/2-inch) slices from a baguette loaf, cut on the diagonal
• 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese

The Cooking Process

Start by melting the butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot over medium-low heat. Add the onions, thyme, bay leaf, and measured salt, and slowly cook the onions until they’re very soft and a deep golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This step takes about 45 minutes, so be patient!

Next, add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Then, add the wine and simmer for 2 minutes, followed by the broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 30 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Toasting the Baguette

While the soup is simmering, heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 8 minutes. Flip the slices over and toast for an additional 7 minutes.

Assembling the Soup

Turn on the broiler and arrange the ovenproof crocks or ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet or in a shallow baking pan. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs from the soup and discard them. Ladle the soup evenly among the crocks, then top each with a toasted baguette slice. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère and grated Parmesan cheese over the bread.

The Final Touch

Broil the soup for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately, and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your family and friends!

Tips and Variations

• For an extra-rich soup, use beef broth with a high gelatin content.
• Add some caramelized garlic to the soup for an added depth of flavor.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Comté or Emmental, for a unique flavor profile.

With this recipe, you’ll be well on your way to creating a French onion soup that will impress even the most discerning palates. Bon appétit!