Warm Embrace French Onion Soup

Experience the comforting essence of warm embrace French onion soup. This classic dish features perfectly caramelized onions simmered in rich beef broth, topped with melted Gruyère cheese and crispy baguette slices. Ideal for chilly evenings, this hearty soup tantalizes the palate with its deep, savory flavors and aromatic herbs, making it a beloved staple in French cuisine.
ingredients
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 slices of French baguette
- 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
steps
- 1.
In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- 2.
Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are caramelized (about 30-40 minutes).
- 3.
Stir in the white wine, cooking until reduced by half.
- 4.
Add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf; bring to a simmer. Let cook for 20 minutes, seasoning with pepper to taste.
- 5.
Preheat your oven broiler. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast until golden brown.
- 6.
Remove the bay leaf from the soup and ladle it into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted baguette and sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
- 7.
Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- 8.
Serve hot, garnished with additional thyme if desired.