How to Prepare French Onion Soup
French onion soup is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a rich and comforting soup that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a special gathering with friends. If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply enjoy a delicious homemade meal, learning how to prepare French onion soup is a must. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create this savory and delightful soup.
Ingredients
Before you start preparing French onion soup, gather the following ingredients:
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 large onions, thinly sliced
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon rosemary
– 1/4 teaspoon bay leaf
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 4 slices of baguette
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Prepare the Onions: In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Cook the onions until they are soft and caramelized, which should take about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add Wine and Broth: Once the onions are caramelized, pour in the white wine and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes. Then, add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for another 20 minutes.
3. Reduce Heat and Add Cream: After 20 minutes, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Prepare the Bread: While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush them with melted butter. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the bread and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Serve the Soup: Ladle the soup into bowls and place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl. Drizzle a little more melted butter over the bread and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese. Place the bowls under a broiler for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly on top.
6. Enjoy: Serve the French onion soup immediately while it’s hot and bubbly. This dish is best enjoyed with a glass of red wine to complement the flavors.
Now that you know how to prepare French onion soup, you can impress your friends and family with this delightful dish. Bon appétit!
