Classic French Onion Soup
Indulge in the rich, aromatic experience of a traditional French onion soup, where sweet caramelized onions meet savory broth and gooey melted cheese. This hearty dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! Are you ready to elevate your culinary skills and impress your guests with this classic recipe?
Recipe Information
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- For the Soup:
- 850 g Roscoff onions (or any sweet variety)
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 1 L chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Stale baguette, cut into slices
- 100 g Emmental cheese (preferably raw milk Swiss)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel the onions and finely slice them into brunoise (small dice).
- In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat, add the sliced onions, and sauté them slowly, stirring occasionally for 20-30 minutes until they turn golden brown and caramelized.
- Add the flour and mix well, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the soup thickens slightly as it heats up.
- Season the soup with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. For added flavor, feel free to stir a bit of Emmental cheese into the soup.
- Preheat the oven’s broiler.
- Slice the stale baguette into 1.5 cm thick pieces.
- Place the baguette slices on a baking tray, sprinkle generously with Emmental cheese, and place under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve the soup hot, topped with the cheesy baguette slices as a delicious garnish.
Notes
This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Recipe Tips
- For an even more flavorful soup, consider using homemade chicken broth.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
- Experiment with different cheeses; Gruyère is another excellent choice for this recipe.
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves approximately 4 people, each serving contains around 320 calories, 15g of fat, 35g of carbohydrates, and 8g of protein.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use sweet onions instead of Roscoff onions?
Yes, any sweet onion variety such as Vidalia onions can be used as an alternative.
2. How can I make the soup vegan?
To make a vegan version of this soup, use vegan butter and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I freeze French onion soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup without the bread and cheese. Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
5. What dishes pair well with French onion soup?
This soup is perfect as a starter or can be served alongside a fresh salad or a sandwich for a complete meal.