French Onion Soup Recipe

This classic soup is easier than you think, so give it a try!! Served with a slice of hearty French bread and melted Swiss cheese, French onion soup makes for a great appetizer or meal. Add even more flavor by using red or white wine, or a medium sherry if you like, or omit this all together…the choice is yours.

Directions:

Yield: 8 servings

1. In a large dutch oven over medium heat, add butter and olive oil. Let the butter melt and mix with the olive oil.
2. Add the sliced onions. Stir the onions to coat them in the olive oil and butter mixture.
3. Caramelize the onions by cooking them slowly over a medium heat until they are a golden brown color. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
4. During this process, if the onions start to turn brown or stick to the bottom of the pan, pour a small amount of beef stock over the onions. This will allow us to cook the onions a little longer to get the color and get a little bit more flavor out of them. Stir together and cook until the beef broth has evaporated.
5. Once the onions have caramelized they way we like, add 5 cups of the beef stock, the wine, thyme, salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. If you find that your soup is reducing during this time, add the remainder of the beef stock.
6. Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick slices. Toast them and set aside.
7. Set your oven to broil. Spoon the soup into your earthenware soup dishes. These are special dishes that allow you to safely broil your soup in the oven without damaging the bowls. Place a slice of the French bread on top of the soup and top with Swiss cheese. Place the bowl onto a baking sheet. The baking sheet will help prevent a mess in your oven if any of the bowls boil over. Repeat the process for each bowl.
8. Once all of the bowls have been prepared, place them under the broiler until the cheese melts and starts to brown. Remember to let the soup cool for a few minutes before serving, because it will be hot!