French Onion Soup : A Comforting Culinary Delight!French Onion Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced (yellow or sweet)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to help caramelize)
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup dry white wine (or sherry)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Baguette, sliced
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the Onions:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 30-40 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
2. Add Liquid:
   • Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
3. Add Broth and Herbs:
   • Add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 20-30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Prepare the Bread:
   • While the soup simmers, preheat your broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them lightly on both sides.
5. Serve:
   • Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl and generously sprinkle with cheese.
6. Broil:
   • Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Enjoy:
   • Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they will be hot!). Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious French onion soup!

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to the broth.
• If you like, you can add more herbs like rosemary or oregano for a twist.

Enjoy your comforting French onion soup!