French Onion Soup is a beloved classic known for its rich, savory flavors derived from caramelized onions. Here’s a traditional recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, helps with caramelization)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 6 cups beef broth (or a combination of beef and chicken broth for depth)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh thyme)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Baguette slices, toasted
• Gruyère cheese, shredded (or Swiss cheese)

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown. This process can take about 45 minutes to 1 hour. If using sugar, sprinkle it over the onions to help with caramelization.
2. Deglaze the pan: (Optional) Once the onions are caramelized, deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Add broth and seasonings: Add the beef broth, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prepare the bread and cheese: While the soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange the toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet. Sprinkle each slice with a generous amount of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
5. Broil until cheese melts: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, watching closely to prevent burning.
6. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a couple of cheesy baguette slices on top of each bowl. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves or parsley. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can use homemade beef broth or a high-quality store-bought broth.
• Adjust the sweetness and depth of caramelization of the onions to your preference; the longer they cook, the sweeter and more flavorful they become.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of flour with the onions before adding the broth, cooking the flour for a minute to make a roux.

This French Onion Soup recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner, especially during colder months, and pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a glass of white wine.