ESCAPE TO PARIS WITH A CLASSIC BOWL OF FRENCH ONION SOUP

Are you dreaming of a break from everyday life and wishing to transport yourself to the streets of Paris? You don't need to book a ticket! Prepare this straightforward yet wonderfully aromatic onion soup – a dish that has warmed the hearts of the French for centuries.

French onion soup is a timeless classic, cherished in kitchens worldwide for years. Its ingredients are simple, yet its taste and aroma are delightfully sophisticated. When it's cold and rainy outside, a bowl of this hot soup can warm you up and lift your spirits. Discover how to make French onion soup in the comfort of your own home and understand why the French adore it so much.

French onion soup – simplicity and refinement in one

French onion soup demonstrates that exceptional flavours can be achieved using just a few basic ingredients. The secret to this dish lies in caramelised 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 imparts subtle acidity and further enhances the taste of the caramelised onions. The dish is completed with broth, preferably homemade – either 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,
  • 250 ml of dry white wine,
  • 1.5 litres of vegetable 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:

  1. Slice the onions into thin strips and sauté in butter and olive oil with sugar until golden.
  2. Add crushed garlic, thyme, and wine. Allow to simmer until the wine evaporates.
  3. Pour in the broth, boil, and cook for about 15 minutes.
  4. Transfer the soup to oven-safe bowls, add croutons from the baguette, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese melts.

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Although extremely simple, French onion soup delights with its rich flavour and aroma. It's a perfect choice for cold days and an elegant starter at a formal dinner. Preparing it requires time and patience, especially caramelising the onions, but the final result is well worth the 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.

Read also:

French onion soup: a taste of Paris in your kitchen

French onion soup: A timeless autumnal delight

Seafood bisque: A classic French delight with a rich legacy

2025-01-14T15:02:30Z