Aromatic journey to Paris: Mastering the classic onion soup
Are you dreaming of a break from everyday life to transport yourself to the streets of Paris? You don't need to book a ticket! All you need is to prepare this simple yet incredibly aromatic onion soup—a dish that has warmed the hearts of the French for centuries.
French onion soup is a classic that has enjoyed enduring popularity in kitchens worldwide for years. Its ingredients are simple, but its taste and aroma are remarkably sophisticated. When it's cold and rainy outside, a bowl of this hot soup can warm you up and lift your spirits. Learn how to make French onion soup in the comfort of your own home and experience why the French love it so much.
French onion soup – simplicity and refinement in one
French onion soup proves exceptional flavours can be achieved using just a few basic ingredients. The secret to this dish is caramelized onions, which give the soup its distinctive, deep flavour. The slow process of sautéing onions with butter, olive oil, and a pinch of sugar makes them sweet, lightly browned, and intensely aromatic.
Another important element is dry white wine, which gives the soup a subtle acidity and further highlights the taste of the caramelized onions. The whole dish is completed by broth, preferably homemade—vegetable or meat—which makes the soup hearty and rich in flavour.
How to prepare the perfect french onion soup?
Ingredients:
- 500 grams of onions,
- 1 cup of dry white wine,
- 1.5 litres of vegetable broth or chicken broth,
- 100 grams of hard cheese, such as Gruyère,
- Half a baguette (stale bread can be used),
- 1 tablespoon of butter,
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil,
- 1 tablespoon of sugar,
- 2 cloves of garlic,
- thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
Preparation:
- Slice onions into thin strips and sauté in butter and olive oil with sugar until golden.
- Add crushed garlic, thyme, and wine. Simmer until the wine evaporates.
- Pour in the broth, boil, and cook for about 15 minutes.
- Transfer the soup to oven-safe bowls, add croutons from the baguette, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese melts.
Though extremely simple, French onion soup delights with its rich flavour and aroma. It's a perfect choice for cold days but also serves and an elegant appetizer at a formal dinner. Preparing it requires time and patience, especially caramelizing the onions, but the final result rewards every effort.
This classic recipe can also be modified to suit personal preferences. Instead of wine, cider can be used, and Gruyère cheese can be replaced with another favourite hard cheese. Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley gives the soup a unique character.
