One of the international soups I love is that of French Onion Soup. However, when making it at home it's important to use the right stock because the stock is what gives it its flavor and taste. I always use beef stock plus a beef bouillon to enhance the flavor. Let's dive into it!
Ingredients:
The following makes 4-6 servings:
6 large onions (thinly sliced)
4 Tablespoons virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons sugar (I use brown sugar)
Pinch of Kosher Salt
2 cloves minced garlic
8 cups beef stock
1/2 cup vermouth or dry white wine
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon fresh Thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons brandy (optional)
8 slices French Bread or Baguette
1 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese or Swiss Cheese
Sprinkling of Grated Parmesan Cheese
Cooking:
Peel and slice onions thinly from root to stem. after cutting up the onions there should be approximately 10 cups in total.
In a thick bottom soup pot, melt butter with oil and add onions to caramelize for approximately 15-20 minutes. Continue cooking on medium heat until the onions have cooked completely and turned golden brown about 40 minutes. Add your sugar and garlic and stir for about a minute or two. Add in the wine or vermouth, whichever you choose to use, I prefer the wine, and deglaze the pan to clean the bottom of the pot of all the yummy bits that are stuck there. Add your stock, thyme, bay leaves, pepper and salt, and a bit of the brandy. Stir until totally combined. Taste test to ensure flavors are all mixed together correctly. The broth should taste like beef broth with an overpowering onion flavor.
Serve in an oven-safe bowl topped with slices of French Bread and either Gruyere or Swiss cheese on top. I love the Swiss thick on top of the bread, but that's just me. Place in oven to smelt the cheese then serve.
Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, and journalist. business professional, creative artist, and life coach consultant. Ms. Kilbride holds a Master's in Criminology and a BS in Business Management she stepped out of the loop for a while but is now back with a powerful opinion and voice in the direction of this country and our economy. As a life coach, she is available to counsel individuals to enjoy their dreams and a better life. Ms. Kilbride loves to travel, and photograph her surroundings and is also a gourmet cook who loves to garden and preserve food for the winter months.
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