French onion soup with Gruyere cheese
Ingredients:
- 6 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 quarts beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Baguette slices
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
Instructions:
1. Start by slicing the onions thinly. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the onions to the pot and toss to coat them with the butter. Let them cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add minced garlic to the pot with the onions and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the onions are caramelized and have turned a deep golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
3. Add the salt, sugar, and flour to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the flour has been absorbed by the onions.
4. Pour in the beef broth, red wine, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch rounds and place them on a baking sheet. Bake them in the oven until they are crispy and golden brown, about 10 minutes.
6. Remove the bay leaf from the soup and ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place 1-2 pieces of the baguette on top of the soup and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Gruyere cheese over the bread.
7. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and place them under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve the soup hot with additional baguette slices and a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley on top as garnish.
Tips:
- If you don't have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute.
- Don't rush the caramelization process of the onions. It's important to let them cook slowly over medium heat to get that deep, rich flavor.
- You can use any type of bread for the baguette slices, but French bread or sourdough is the best option.
- If you don't have Gruyere cheese, you can use Swiss cheese or any other type of cheese that melts well.
Conclusion:
French onion soup with Gruyere cheese is a classic and delicious soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience in caramelizing the onions, you can make an impressive and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out. Try out this recipe and enjoy the rich flavors of this French classic.