French Onion Soup
French

French Onion Soup

Deeply caramelized onion soup in rich beef broth, topped with a crusty bread crouton and melted Gruyere cheese.

OnionOnion
ButterButter
White WineWhite Wine
BreadBread
CheeseCheese
ThymeThyme
Medium1 hour

Where it comes from

French onion soup has its roots in the humble kitchens of France, tracing back to Roman times. This deeply comforting dish showcases caramelized onions in a rich beef broth, topped with crusty bread and melted Gruyère cheese, embodying the essence of French bistro cuisine. Interestingly, it was once considered food for the poor, but it has since become a beloved classic served in restaurants worldwide.

On the Palate

HeatRichnessComplexityFermentFreshness

How it's made

4 steps · Show
60 min active
  1. 1
    30 min

    Peel and thinly slice the onions. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat until it foams. Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until they turn a deep golden brown and caramelized, about 30 minutes. The onions should be very soft and sweet-smelling.

    Watch out

    Watch the onions closely to prevent burning; they should caramelize to a deep golden brown, not dark brown or black.

  2. 2
    5 min

    Pour in the white wine and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer until the wine reduces by half, intensifying the aroma.

  3. 3
    20 min

    Add the beef stock to the pot, along with fresh thyme. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together and the broth to reduce slightly.

  4. 4
    5 min

    Preheat your broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a slice of bread and a generous amount of cheese. Place under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

    Watch out

    Keep an eye on the broiler; cheese can go from perfect to burnt quickly.

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