French Onion Soup Gratinée Recipe

French Onion Soup Gratinée, often simply referred to as French Onion Soup, is a classic French dish made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and typically topped with toasted bread and melted cheese (often Gruyère cheese). The soup itself is savory and rich, deriving much of its flavor from the slow-cooked caramelization of onions. It’s often served in individual crocks or bowls, with the bread and cheese melted on top under a broiler or in an oven until golden and bubbly.

Here’s a classic recipe for French Onion Soup Gratinée:

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 6 cups beef broth
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Baguette, sliced into thick rounds
• Gruyère cheese, grated (or Swiss cheese)

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the Onions:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.
   • Stir in minced garlic and sugar during the last 5 minutes of caramelization.
2. Deglaze the Pot:
   • If using, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
3. Simmer the Soup:
   • Add the beef broth and thyme to the pot with the caramelized onions. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes to blend flavors.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prepare the Bread and Cheese:
   • Preheat your broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them lightly on both sides under the broiler.
5. Assemble and Serve:
   • Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Float a couple of toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl of soup.
   • Generously sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese) over the bread and soup, covering the surface.
   • Place the bowls on a baking sheet and put them under the broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes (watch closely to prevent burning).
6. Serve Immediately:
   • Carefully remove the bowls from the oven using oven mitts. The soup will be very hot! Let it cool slightly before serving.
7. Enjoy!:
   • Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures in this classic French Onion Soup Gratinée!

This recipe serves about 4-6 people depending on bowl size. Adjust the ingredients as needed for larger or smaller servings.