French onion soup is one of the most popular classic French recipes, having the warm and hearty flavor that many people love on cold days throughout the year. This soup consists of caramelizing onions and preparing them with broth and toasted bread with cheese. Below, we explain how to prepare this delicious dish step by step.
Ingredients for French Onion Soup
– Onions: 6 large, thinly sliced
– Butter: 3 tablespoons
– Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
– Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, for caramelizing the onions)
– Flour: 1 tablespoon (to thicken the onion soup mixture)
– Broth or Chicken Stock: 6-8 cups
– Garlic: 2 cloves, finely chopped
– Bay Leaf: 1 piece
– Thyme: 1 teaspoon (fresh or dried)
– Baguette: as needed, sliced
– Gruyère or Mozzarella: As needed, grated
– Salt and Pepper: As needed
Onion Soup Recipe
1. Caramelize the Onions:
First, heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil to the pan, followed by sliced onions. Sprinkle a little salt over the onions and reduce the heat. Let the onions caramelize slowly for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add the flour and seasonings:
Once the onions have caramelized, add the flour to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the flour is browned. After that, add the minced garlic, bay leaf, and thyme to the soup mixture.
3. Add the broth:
Add the broth or chicken stock to the pan and bring the soup mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer gently for 30-40 minutes. At this point, taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper.
4. Prepare the bread and cheese:
While it cooks, let the baguette slices toast either in the toaster or in the oven until golden brown. Sprinkle grated cheese on each slice of bread then grill in the oven until it melts and goes golden.
5. To serve:
Ladle the soup into heatproof bowls. Place the cheesy bread slices on top of the soup and, if desired, place the entire bowl in the oven for a few minutes to further grill the cheese.
Golden Tips for Making Onion Soup
1. Onion Selection: For a better flavor, use sweet or yellow onions.
2. Homemade Broth: Using homemade broth will make the soup taste much better.
3. Caramelization Time: Be patient and let the onions caramelize well, as this step is the most important factor in the delicious taste of French onion soup.
It would go down so well, soupy and warm, during parties or for dinner at leisure. The caramelized onions, the onion soup mix, and the cheese melted over the bread all create a magical mix that can’t be anything other than an all-time favorite soup. And of course, don’t miss tasting it!
Onion Soup Mix: What Is It? Benefits Included
French onion soup preparation primarily involves a combination of caramelized onions, beef or chicken broth, and spices. The ingredients make the base necessary for the rich flavor that this dish requires. While caramelizing, the natural sweetness of the onions is brought forth, creating the rich and hearty flavor for the soup.
Onion Soup Mix Benefits
1. Antioxidant Source: Onions are rich in antioxidant compounds such as quercetin, which help boost the immune system.
2. Cold Relief: The warm and aromatic mix may be helpful in trying to minimize colds and a sore throat.
3. Nutritious yet Low-calorie: It contains a low amount of fat with essential vitamins and minerals.
4. Energy Booster: Onions contain natural carbohydrates that give energy to the body.
5. Improves Digestion: The use of broth and aromatic spices will facilitate improvement in the activity of the digestive organs of the system.
This is a simple but nutritious combination that creates the pleasant flavor of the soup and is recommended to be especially consumed during cold seasons.
When is it best to consume or prepare soup?
Among meals that are appropriate to be prepared at certain situations, French onion soup is among the best options; the recommended time to consume or prepare this soup is during:
Cold seasons: Being that soup is of a warm nature, it will warm up the body and elevate energy in people during the cold winter.
During illness or cold: With a soup mixture rich in antioxidants and nutrients, this soup helps in strengthening the immune system and recovering faster from the disease.
Light dinners: If you are looking for something light yet nutritious to have for dinner, soup is a great option.
After Workout or Exercise: It is highly recommended to take this soup after working out in the gym or after any physical activity, considering the energy supply and availability of natural carbohydrates inside.
At gatherings or parties: This can serve as a good appetizer for any party, as it will be attractive and mouth-watering in taste.
By consuming soup at appropriate times, it’s possible to relish the delicious taste and the special benefits which come along with this traditional dish.
Conclusion
French onion soup is not only deliciously classic, yet very healthy to have in store; rather it presents an immense range of taste and flavor brought forth with merely a simple usage of ingredients: caramelized onions and broth, making it extremely healthy in relation to the weather in the winter seasons. This dish allows you to experience its unique taste while enjoying its health benefits. If you are into trying new food, make sure that soup is on the list!
