Classic French Onion Soup with a Gruyere Crust Recipe

Indulge in the comforting embrace of Classic French Onion Soup, crowned with a golden, bubbling Gruyere crust. This timeless dish is a testament to the elegance of French cuisine, offering a symphony of caramelized onions and rich broth beneath a savory cheese-topped crouton. Perfect for cozy dinners for two, this recipe is meticulously designed to be scaled for solo enjoyment or a quartet of culinary adventurers. Let's embark on a journey to create this soul-warming soup that promises to be a feast for the senses.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 6 cups beef broth (for authentic flavor, but vegetable broth can be substituted for a vegetarian option)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyere cheese
• For garnish: fresh thyme sprigs

Instructions

Caramelizing the Onions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar, cooking for about 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.

Building the Soup Base

1. Sprinkle the caramelized onions with all-purpose flour, stirring for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
2. Deglaze the pot with dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook until the wine has mostly evaporated.
3. Add the beef broth, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Preparing the Gruyere Crust

1. Preheat your broiler to high.
2. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, leaving some room at the top.
3. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl of soup.
4. Generously sprinkle grated Gruyere cheese over the bread and edges of the bowls.
5. Broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Serving

1. Carefully remove the bowls from the broiler. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
2. Serve immediately, cautioning diners about the hot bowls.

Tips

• For a richer flavor: Consider adding a splash of brandy along with the beef broth.
• To serve one or four people: Adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly, but keep the caramelizing and simmering times the same.

Nutritional Information (estimated per serving)

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 35g

Q&A

Q: Can I make Classic French Onion Soup without wine? A: Yes, you can omit the wine and replace it with extra broth, though the wine adds depth to the flavor.

Q: How can I achieve a vegetarian version of this soup? A: Substitute the beef broth with a rich vegetable broth to maintain depth of flavor.

Q: Is it possible to prepare the onions in advance for Classic French Onion Soup? A: Absolutely! Caramelized onions can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for longer storage.

Summary

This Classic French Onion Soup with a Gruyere Crust recipe is a culinary classic that brings the essence of French comfort food to your table. With its rich broth, sweet caramelized onions, and a cheesy, toasted baguette slice, it's a dish that promises warmth and elegance in every spoonful. Perfect for intimate dinners or scaling up for guests, it's a versatile recipe that's as enjoyable to make as it is to savor. Bon appétit!