On one of my first visits to France, I ate and fell in love with ‘soupe à l’oignon’ as it is known in France or to you and me as French onion soup. This classic comfort food combines caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and gooey melted cheese for an unforgettable dining experience.
Although this is a classic French dish, the ingredients can easily be found while doing your weekly grocery shop at your local supermarket. There is no need to worry if you cannot find the exact ingredients because I often like to substitute gruyère cheese with cheddar cheese as this is often easier to find.
Ingredients for Perfect French Onion Soup
Serves four:
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 to 8 onions, depending on the size
- 1 tsp sugar
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 200ml dry white wine
- 1.2l beef stock
- French bread
- grated gruyère cheese
- Brandy?? Yess to be included near the end of the recipe
Instructions
Chop all the onions into half and then slice them.
- Coat the onions in butter
- Add some olive oil to the pot and when it starts to heat add the onions that have been coated in butter
- Cook the onions on a low heat for roughly 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle the sugar to the cooking onions to help them caramelize.
- After 10 minutes add finely chopped garlic to the pot along with salt and pepper, by now the onions should have caramelized. If not then turn the heat up a little. You want to have the onions golden brown but not crispy.
- After a few minutes add the 2 tablespoons of flour to the pot. This will help to thicken the mixture
- Add the wine, brandy and stock mix to the onions and allow them to further cook for another 15 minutes.
- Take your slices of bread and toast them and then add on the cheese to the melted bread
- You can serve the onion to the bowls and then add the toasted bread with cheese on top.
Serving Suggestions
This French onion soup makes a wonderful starter for a dinner party or a hearty lunch on a cold day. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple salad and a glass of the same dry white wine you used in the recipe. To enjoy your soup like a true Parisian, check out our guide on The French Lunch Hour (or Two) and learn about the leisurely approach the French take to their midday meal. This soup fits perfectly into the tradition of taking time to savor good food and conversation during lunch.
Bon appétit!
