Soupe à l'Oignon Gratinée: The Classic French Onion Soup Recipe

Introduction

Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée, or French Onion Soup, is a classic French dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. This soup is made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and white wine, and is topped with a slice of toasted baguette and melted Gruyere cheese. It’s the perfect cozy soup for a chilly evening, and is sure to impress your dinner guests.

Ingredients

For 4 portions, you will need:

• 4 large onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 4 slices of baguette
• 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, salt, and sugar, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir until well combined. Add the beef broth, white wine, bay leaf, and thyme, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cut the baguette into 1/2 inch slices and toast in the oven until lightly browned.
5. Remove the bay leaf from the soup and ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted baguette on top of each bowl of soup and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyere cheese.
6. Place the bowls of soup on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.

Vegetarian/Vegan Version

To make this soup vegetarian, substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth. For a vegan version, use vegan butter and vegan cheese.

Gluten-Free Version

To make this soup gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup, and gluten-free bread for the baguette.

Conclusion

Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée is a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party. With its rich flavor and cheesy topping, it’s sure to warm your soul and fill your belly. Try this classic French Onion Soup recipe today and enjoy a taste of France in your own home!

FAQ

What is Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée?

Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée is a classic French onion soup that is topped with bread and melted cheese.

What type of onions should I use?

You should use yellow onions for this recipe. They have a sweet and mild taste that works well with the other ingredients.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can make this soup in advance. Just prepare the soup as directed, but wait to add the bread and cheese until you are ready to serve it.

How do I reheat the soup?

To reheat the soup, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stove over medium heat.

What type of cheese should I use?

Traditionally, Gruyere cheese is used for this recipe. However, you can also use other types of cheese, such as Swiss or Parmesan.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can use a different type of bread if you prefer. However, crusty French bread is the traditional choice for this recipe.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and flour for the roux.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and consume it within 3 months.

What should I serve with Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée?

Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée is often served as a starter or light meal. It pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.