Image by Dana DeVolk

French onion soup

Ah, the beloved French onion soup. A classic French dish that will never cease to tantalize the taste buds. Few dishes have the power to evoke such warmth, comfort and indulgence like the famous onion soup.

French onion soup


The dish is an ode to the perfect marriage of onions, cheese, and broth. When combined, these ingredients create a sum greater than all its parts and a flavor experience that is both hearty and nuanced.

The onions must be sautéed with care in order to achieve the utmost level of caramelization – this takes skill and artistry of course. Once the onions are golden, enriched stock and vermouth is added and simmered until thickened, creating a velvety texture and full-bodied taste. Finally, the soup is crowned with cheesy croutons, providing a divine melty, salty finish.

This is not a dish just for chillier months; it's a year-round favorite that brings a touch of luxury to any occasion. Whether you're craving a soothing bowl on a cold night, or looking to impress at the dinner table, the succulent flavors of French onion soup are sure to please. Magnifique!

French onion soup recipes

Amazing French onion soup recipes sourced from the web.

Image by sheri silver French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup


5 / 5 (3000 votes)
Cooking time:1 hr 20 min
NYT Cooking - The New York Times
Image by Jennie Brown French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup


4.6 / 5 (1100 votes)
Cooking time:1 hr 10 min
Food Network
Image by Jennie Brown French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup


4.8 / 5 (117 votes)
Cooking time:1 hr
Gimme Some Oven
Image by Dana DeVolk French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup


4.9 / 5 (183 votes)
Cooking time:1 hr 20 min
Simply Recipes

The origin of French onion soup

Ah, French Onion Soup - one of the culinary world's greatest triumphs. Its origin can be traced way back to a 12th century recipe from the Court of King Louis XIV. It is said he was especially partial to the dish, and it quickly became known throughout France.

Today, French Onion Soup is, quite rightly, considered a classic all over the world. But what exactly is it? Well, the traditional recipe requires slowly caramelizing onions until they become a deep golden brown color, then simmering them with beef stock, herbs and spices, and finally, adding a hearty topping of melted Gruyere cheese.

But its journey to prominence didn't end there. It is thought that by the 18th century, French Onion Soup had made its way to America. Records indicate that the first American recipe for French Onion Soup was published in 1851, and by the late 19th century, it was firmly established as the national soup of America.

Since its introduction to the States, the French Onion Soup has undergone some slight adaptations, such as the substitution of different types of cheeses, or even a few tweaks to the seasonings. But despite any minor changes, the dish remains a favorite today, as much as it did centuries ago.

So, there you have it – the fascinating history of French Onion Soup. What started out as a simple recipe enjoyed by royalty has evolved into the delicious and satisfying dish enjoyed by the masses. Bon appetit!

FAQs about French onion soup

How do you deepen the flavor of French onion soup?

1. Increase the amount of onions used in the soup.
2. Caramelize the onions before adding them to the soup.
3. Sauté the onions in butter until they're softened and golden brown.
4. Add fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or marjoram to the soup.
5. Use beef stock instead of chicken stock for a richer flavor.
6. Add a splash of red or white wine to the soup.
7. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup before serving.

How do you make Julia Child's French onion soup?

Ingredients:

-5 lbs. yellow or sweet onions, sliced thin
-3 tablespoons butter
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1/2 teaspoon sugar
-5 cups beef broth or stock
-2 cups dry white wine
-3 bay leaves
-Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
-1 tablespoon Cognac or brandy (optional)
-1/4 cup freshly grated Gruyère cheese
-4-6 thick slices French baguette
-Additional freshly grated Gruyère cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the sliced onions, sugar, and a generous pinch of salt.

2. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, about 1 hour.

3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the beef broth, white wine, and bay leaves. Simmer for 30 minutes.

4. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the Cognac (if using).

5. Preheat the broiler.

6. For each bowl of soup, place a slice of bread in the bottom of the bowl and top with Gruere. Ladle the soup over the bread and top with additional cheese.

7. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Serve hot. Enjoy!

What are French onion soup made of?

French onion soup is made from onions, beef or vegetable stock, and aromatics (such as garlic and herbs). It is also traditionally served with croutons and melted cheese on top.

What is French onion soup broth made of?

French onion soup broth is typically made from beef stock, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices. It can also include white wine, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and bay leaves.

What is the difference between onion soup and French onion soup?

Onion soup is a simple broth-based soup made with onions and spices. French onion soup is a more complex soup made with beef or veal stock, onions that have been caramelized in butter, white wine, and often grated Gruyere cheese. The cheese is melted and served on a slice of bread as a crouton on top of the soup.

What makes French onion soup French?

French onion soup is a type of soup usually based on beef broth and onions that originated in France. The soup is usually topped with croutons and grated cheese, often Gruyère cheese or Emmental cheese. It can also be topped with a larger piece of toasted bread, covered with cheese and broiled. Traditional French onion soup originated in Paris in the 17th century. The dish's name was a nod to the high quantity of onions used to make the soup.

Which onions are best for French onion soup?

The best onions for French onion soup are yellow onions. They have a sweeter, milder flavor than white or red onions and will give the soup a delicious depth of flavor.

French onion soup videos

French Onion Soup | Basics with Babish

FRENCH ONION SOUP | How To Make Onion Soup

Delicious French Onion Soup Recipe

To Make Great French Onion Soup, do these 2 things

Types of French onion soup

The depths of French onion soup are a delight to behold. Its savory, umami-rich layers provide endless nuances and flavor dimensions with each spoonful. From the ubiquitous restaurant version to grandma's old family recipe, this classic dish has captivated both the casual diner and seasoned gourmand alike.

The core of French onion soup is indeed the onions. An array of alliums, typically sweet yellow onions and shallots, slowly caramelize in a combination of butter and oil until tender and luscious. Aromatics, including garlic, celery, and herbs, plus a splash of sherry or cognac and a bit of beef broth are added to the mix. The end result is a beguilingly fragrant broth that is laden with savory, succulent flavor.

For those interested in elevating their French onion soup game, there are several variations of this dish that can be explored. One popular iteration is the vegan option, which uses mushrooms, miso paste, and vegetable broth for a rich depth of flavor. Another inventive twist is to incorporate Moroccan spices like cumin, curry powder, and cinnamon for a spicy take on the soup. For an even richer flavor profile, a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce or some fish sauce can be added.

Finally, there is the classic French onion soup with its widely recognizable cheese crown. Gruyère, Comté, and Fontina cheeses are all excellent choices for topping. If a less traditional approach is desired, why not try swapping out the cheese for some ooey-gooey mozzarella or a sprinkle of Parmesan?

No matter the variation, this beloved soup is sure to please every palate. Whether it is enjoyed while lingering over a leisurely meal or in a quick bowl before heading out to work, French onion soup can always bring a smile to the table.