Ah, the delicious French Onion Soup. Who doesn’t love this rich, umami packed soup? The French Onion soup is a classic French dish that has been around since the 1700s. It was originally made from beef broth, onions, and croutons, and was served as a way to stretch out a meal. However, nowadays it’s a luxurious meal made with rich beef broth, caramelized onions, and a variety of herbs and spices. While it truly is a classic soup, you can often find it on menus of fancy restaurants around the US.
This version of the French Onion soup is just delicious and an absolute must-try, especially during the cold winter months. Here’s how to make the perfect French Onion Soup:
French Onion Soup Ingredients:
-3 tablespoons of butter
3-4 large onions, thinly sliced
-3 cloves of garlic, minced
-1 teaspoon of thyme
-1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
-1 teaspoon of paprika
-Salt and pepper to taste
-6 cups of beef broth
-1/2 cup of dry sherry
-1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
-2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
-2 tablespoons of cornstarch
-Gruyere cheese (aged is ideal!)
-Croutons
-Fresh parsley (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are soft and golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the thyme, rosemary, and paprika and season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, sherry, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup of cold water. Add the mixture to the soup and stir until thickened.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and top with Gruyere cheese. Place under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with croutons and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
This French onion soup is just so incredibly comforting and flavorful. It is super versatile so you can have it as a nice appetizer or even just have it as the main course for a lighter dinner! Be sure to serve it with a nice crusty baguette!
Need other winter dinner ideas? You can’t go wrong with this hearty Split Pea Soup recipe!