French onion soup is a classic dish featuring caramelized onions, which infuse a marvelous sweet flavor into the broth. Pictured with our Asparagus and Ham Tartines.
Soupe à l’Oignon
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups chopped sweet onions
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
- 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- Buttered Croutons (recipe follows)
- 1 cup coarsely shredded Gruyère cheese
- Garnish: snipped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Place 6 oven-proof ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onions, stirring to coat with butter. Add garlic, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are very tender and lightly golden brown, approximately 15 minutes. (If onions begin to brown, reduce heat.) Remove bay leaf and thyme sprig.
- Add wine. Increase heat to medium, and cook until wine evaporates. Stir in flour; cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth, and bring to a simmer. Cook until flavors are melded, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Divide soup among ramekins. Top soup with Buttered Croutons and cheese.
- Bake until cheese melts, approximately 5 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Notes: Top individual servings with homemade Buttered Croutons and rich, creamy Gruyère cheese. If Gruyère is not readily available, opt for Swiss cheese instead.
Buttered Croutons
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups cubed French bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, toss together bread cubes and melted butter. Scatter buttered bread cubes in a single layer on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake until bread cubes are golden brown, 7 to 10 minutes, stirring if necessary to brown evenly.
