🧅 Rich and Simple French Onion Soup 🥖🧀

This Rich and Simple French Onion Soup is a comforting classic that delivers deep, savory flavors with caramelized onions and a delicious broth. Topped with crispy bread and melted cheese, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy evening. The secret lies in slow-cooking the onions to bring out their natural sweetness and richness.

📋 Ingredients:

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced 🧅
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 🧈
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 🛢️
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 teaspoon sugar 🍬
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 🌾
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional) 🍷
• 6 cups beef broth 🍲
• 1 bay leaf 🌿
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) 🌿
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 🧂
• 1 baguette, sliced 🥖
• 1 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese 🧀

📝 Instructions:

1. Caramelize the Onions:

1. Heat the pan:

• In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted.

1. Add the onions:

• Add the sliced onions to the pot. Stir occasionally, cooking until the onions become soft and translucent (about 10 minutes).

1. Caramelize:

• Sprinkle the sugar over the onions and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 20-30 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized.

1. Add garlic and flour:

• Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stirring continuously for 1 minute to coat the onions and absorb the butter.

2. Make the Soup:

1. Deglaze with wine (optional):

• Slowly add the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.

1. Add broth and herbs:

• Pour in the beef broth, add the bay leaf and thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to develop the flavors.

3. Prepare the Toppings:

1. Toast the baguette slices:

• While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.

4. Assemble and Serve:

1. Ladle the soup:

• Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls.

1. Top with bread and cheese:

• Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl of soup. Sprinkle generously with the grated Gruyère cheese.

1. Broil:

• Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

1. Serve hot:

• Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme if desired.

🍽️ Tips:

• For a richer flavor: Use a mixture of beef and chicken broth, or add a splash of brandy or cognac to the soup.
• Cheese options: If Gruyère isn’t available, use Swiss or Mozzarella for a gooey, melty top.
• Make ahead: The soup (without the bread and cheese) can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and assemble just before serving.

⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 60 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
🔥 Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving

Enjoy the hearty warmth of this Rich and Simple French Onion Soup, perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day! 🧅🧀🥖