Making a simple onion soup is both easy and delicious. Here's a classic recipe for a basic French Onion Soup:
Ingredients:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth (for a vegetarian version)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Baguette or French bread slices
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese
Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes or until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. Lower the heat if needed to prevent burning.
Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the dry white wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the beef or vegetable broth, bay leaf, dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs), salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
While the soup is simmering, preheat your broiler. Slice the baguette or French bread into thick slices.
Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place the bread slices on top of each bowl, covering the soup.
Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese on top of each bread slice.
Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is toasted.
Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they will be hot!), and let them cool slightly before serving.
Your simple and delicious onion soup is now ready to enjoy. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, rich broth, and gooey cheese makes this classic dish a comforting treat.