Ooh La La Onion Soup: A Deeply Delicious Classic

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of France tonight, love? How about a deeply satisfying onion soup recipe ? Ever wondered how to make the best French onion soup ? This version's proper lush.

Quick Hook

Craving that bistro feel without the plane ticket? This classic French onion soup brings Paris to your table. Think sweet, savory, cheesy goodness!

Brief Overview

Originating in france, the authentic french onion soup was once considered peasant food. don't let that fool you! it's now a gourmet delight.

This is a medium-difficulty recipe, taking around 1 hour 50 minutes. it yields 6 servings. this soup warms the soul.

Main Benefits

One of the top benefits is its comforting nature, perfect for those chilly nights. a steaming bowl of homemade french onion soup really hits the spot.

This recipe stands out because of the deeply caramelized onions. they create a symphony of flavor.

Caramelizing Onions: The key to success!

Right then, the secret, and I mean the secret to a cracking Caramelized Onion Soup Recipe ? It's all in the onions, innit!

Three pounds (1.36 kg) of yellow onions, thinly sliced. don't skimp! 4 tablespoons (57g) of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil in your pot.

Then a teaspoon (5g) of granulated sugar. a good pinch of kosher salt (3g) and pepper (1g) goes in. don't forget 1/4 teaspoon (1g) of dried thyme for that je ne sais quoi .

Ooh La La Onion Soup: A Deeply Delicious Classic Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:01 Hrs 30 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 1.36 kg)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (5g)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (3g)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (1g)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (1g)
• 8 cups beef broth, low sodium (approximately 1.9 liters)
• 1 cup dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot) (approximately 240 ml) Optional
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15g) Optional, for thickening
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (15 ml)
• 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (about 170g)

Instructions:

• Melt butter and olive oil in the pot. Add onions, sugar, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until deeply golden brown and caramelized (about 45-60 minutes). Watch carefully to prevent burning! If using a skillet, caramelize in batches.
• If using, sprinkle flour over the caramelized onions and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze the pot with red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook until the wine reduces slightly.
• Add beef broth, bay leaves, and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This is the perfect onion soup recipe.
• While the soup simmers, brush baguette slices with olive oil and bake on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) until lightly golden and toasted.
• Preheat broiler. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls or ramekins. Top each bowl with a toasted baguette slice and a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese.
• Place bowls under the broiler and broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Carefully remove from the oven and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450 calories

Fat:25g

Fiber:4g

Recipe Info

Category:Soup

Cuisine:French

Ingredients & Equipment for Ooh La La Onion Soup

So, you're ready to tackle the best french onion soup ever? fab! before we dive into my super-easy onion soup recipe , let's make sure we've got all the bits and bobs.

No one wants to be halfway through and realise they are missing the thyme. honestly, i've been there too many times.

Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavour

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. The quality of your ingredients really matters, especially with something as simple as classic French onion soup . Here's what you'll need:

• 3 pounds ( 1.36 kg ) yellow onions, thinly sliced. (The star of the show! Look for firm, heavy onions with no soft spots.)
• 4 tablespoons ( 57g ) unsalted butter. (Adds richness and helps with caramelization.)
• 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) olive oil. (Prevents the butter from burning and adds flavour.)
• 1 teaspoon ( 5g ) granulated sugar. (Helps the onions caramelize.)
• 1/2 teaspoon ( 3g ) kosher salt. (Seasons the onions and draws out moisture.)
• 1/4 teaspoon ( 1g ) freshly ground black pepper. (Adds a little kick.)
• 1/4 teaspoon ( 1g ) dried thyme. (Adds a subtle, earthy flavour.)
• 8 cups (approx. 1.9 liters ) low-sodium beef broth. (This is your liquid base. Go for a good quality broth or make your own!)
• 1 cup (approx. 240 ml ) dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot). Optional, but highly recommended.
• 2 tablespoons ( 15g ) all-purpose flour. Optional, for thickening if you like a slightly thicker soup.
• 2 bay leaves. (Adds a subtle aroma. Remember to remove them before serving!)
• 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) balsamic vinegar. (Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.)
• 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds.
• 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) olive oil.
• 6 ounces (approx. 170g ) Gruyère cheese, grated. (The classic cheese for French onion soup! It melts beautifully and has a nutty flavour.)

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!

For this french onion soup quick recipe, it's not just about the onions. i once tried to rush it and wow, what a mistake.

It needs depth and character so these seasonings will make all the difference:

• Essential spice combination: Salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf are your best friends.
• Flavour enhancers and aromatics: Red wine (if using), balsamic vinegar.
• Quick substitution options: If you don't have thyme, try dried oregano or a pinch of rosemary.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need fancy gear to make this homemade French onion soup . Here's what's essential:

• Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. (This is key for even caramelization.)
• Large skillet (if caramelizing onions in batches).
• Baking sheet.
• Ladle.
• Oven-safe bowls or ramekins.
• Alternatives: If you don't have oven-safe bowls, you can broil the baguette and cheese separately on a baking sheet.

Seriously, that's it! No need to get all cheffy. Now, let's get cooking and create the most authentic French onion soup !

Ooh La La Onion Soup: Let's Get Cooking!

Honestly, who doesn't love a steaming bowl of french onion soup? it's like a warm hug on a cold day.

This classic french onion soup recipe isn't scary either, i promise. this is a caramelized onion soup recipe and we'll make it great!

Prep Power: Mise en Place Magic

First things first: get your stuff together. thinly slice those 3 pounds (1.36 kg) of yellow onions. chop your baguette.

Grate the 6 ounces (170g) of gruyère. this mise en place (fancy, right?) makes life way easier. also, remember knife safety, yeah?

Step-by-Step: From Onions to Ooh La La

Here's how we make the best homemade French onion soup :

1. Melt 4 tablespoons (57g) of butter and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil in a big pot. Add the onions, 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar , 0.5 teaspoon (3g) salt , 0.25 teaspoon (1g) pepper , and 0.25 teaspoon (1g) thyme .
2. Cook over medium-low heat for like, forever (about 45- 60 minutes ), stirring often. You want them deep golden brown. It takes time. This is also how we get the best French onion soup .
3. Optional step : Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons (15g) of flour and cook for 1 minute. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of red wine and scrape up the bottom.
4. Add 8 cups (1.9 liters) of beef broth , 2 bay leaves , and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of balsamic vinegar . Simmer for at least 30 minutes .
5. Brush baguette slices with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil . Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until toasty.
6. Ladle soup into bowls, top with bread and lots of Gruyère!
7. Broil until bubbly and golden. Watch like a hawk to prevent burning!
8. Serve immediately and feel fancy.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup

Don't rush the caramelizing! low and slow wins the race. also, use good broth. seriously, it makes a difference. you can totally make this vegetarian by using vegetable broth.

It will still be so easy french onion soup recipe . it might not be authentic french onion soup , but it'll be delicious!

This french onion soup quick version skips some steps. but is it as good? no way! but hey, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, you know? i hope you enjoy this onion soup recipe.

Recipe Notes for Your Ooh La La Onion Soup

Alright, you've got the recipe for the best french onion soup . now let's talk nitty-gritty. these are my notes from making this classic french onion soup time and again.

Honestly, these are the things i wish i knew the first time.

Serving Suggestions: Ooh La La Presentation!

Okay, picture this. you've made this amazing homemade french onion soup . first, don't just plonk it in a bowl! ladle that beauty into oven-safe ramekins.

Think rustic charm, you know? get them bubbling under the french onion soup broiler . imagine that molten gruyère. serve immediately.

Side of crusty bread essential, of course. a simple green salad? parfait ! a dry red, like beaujolais, would be awesome too.

Storage Tips: Keep the Bon Temps Rollin'

Right, got leftovers? cool the soup completely before you even think about putting it away. pop it in an airtight container.

Into the fridge it goes. it'll keep for 3-4 days . freezing? yep, you can. just be warned, the texture might change a bit.

Reheating? gently does it. stovetop is best. avoid microwaving if you can!

Variations: Your Onion Soup Recipe , Your Way!

Feeling adventurous? wanna switch things up? try this vegetarian french onion soup : vegetable broth instead of beef. easy peasy! or how about swapping gruyère for emmental? it works a treat.

Want a bit of heat? a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. you could even get crazy and try a french onion soup quick chicken noodle version.

Nutrition Basics: Good for the Soul (and Body!)

Listen, this caramelized onion soup recipe is rich. but it's also packed with goodness. onions are full of antioxidants. the broth provides electrolytes.

Just watch the sodium, yeah? roughly, each serving has about 450 calories. keep in mind it's an estimate.

So there you have it! my little pearls of wisdom. don't be scared to experiment and make this authentic french onion soup your own.

It's easier than you think, trust me. you've got this!