Classic French Onion Soup

Classic French Onion Soup 

Classic French Onion soup, often referred to as French onion soup, is a classic and flavorful soup that has its origins in French cuisine. It's a warm and comforting soup made primarily from onions, beef or vegetable broth, and typically topped with cheese and toasted bread. The soup is known for its rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor, which is derived from the caramelization of the onions.

Difficulty: easy

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 30 to 45 minutes

Servings: 4 to 6 persons

Here's a basic recipe for traditional French onion soup:

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for caramelization)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Baguette slices
• Gruyère or Swiss cheese Grated

Instructions

1. In a large soup pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and caramelized, which can take about 30-40 minutes. You can add a teaspoon of sugar to help with caramelization if you'd like.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute or so until fragrant.
3. Pour in the white wine and cook for a few minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate (if using).
4. Add the beef or vegetable broth to the pot, and season with salt and black pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. While the soup is simmering, preheat your broiler. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oveh until they are lightly browned.
6. Once the soup is ready, ladle it into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl of soup with a toasted baguette slice and a generous amount of grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
7. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they will be hot) and let them cool for a minute before serving.

French onion soup is known for its deep, rich flavor and the delightful combination of sweet, caramelized onions with the savory broth and cheesy topping. It's a classic dish often served as an appetizer or light meal in French and other Western cuisines.