Onion soup

Onion soup – a warm and comforting recipe for chilly days

This onion soup is more than just a simple recipe; it is a culinary experience that embraces you with every spoonful. From the sweet aroma of caramelized onions to the crispy bread croutons, every element of this soup will bring a smile to your face. It is perfect for the cold season, and preparing it becomes a true art.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

- 500 grams of white onion (about 100 grams of onion per serving)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1.5 liters of beef broth (or other preferred broth variations)
- 200 ml of semi-sweet wine
- 50 grams of butter
- 2-3 tablespoons of sunflower or olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon of raw sugar (or white sugar)
- 200 ml of cooking cream
- 2 tablespoons of white flour (optional)
- 4 slices of country bread with seeds
- Cheddar cheese and brie cheese for gratin

A short story

Onion soup has deep roots in culinary tradition, being a dish that has evolved over time, bringing joy and comfort on cold winter days. This is a recipe that, through the simplicity of its ingredients, manages to create a rich and comforting flavor. Whether you've had long working days or simply want to indulge yourself, this soup is the perfect choice.

Step by step to the perfect soup

Step 1: Preparing the beef broth

1. Start by preparing the beef broth. Use a beef bone with marrow, carrots, parsley root, and celery. Bring everything to a boil in a pressure cooker for about an hour. This step will bring a deep flavor to your onion soup.
2. After an hour, strain the broth and keep only the liquid. Now you have the perfect base for the onion soup.

Step 2: Caramelizing the onions

3. In a large pot, add the butter and oil and let them heat over low heat.
4. Peel the onions and slice them thinly. Add the onions to the pot and sauté them over low heat. This is where the magic begins; patience is key. Let the onions become soft and translucent for about 15-20 minutes.
5. Add a small ladle of beef broth at a time while continuing to sauté the onions. This process of adding broth will help the onions caramelize evenly. Repeat this process 2-3 times.

Step 3: The taste of wine and sugar

6. Once the onions have taken on a golden hue, add the semi-sweet wine and raw sugar. These ingredients will enhance the flavors and add a natural sweetness to your soup.
7. Add the sliced garlic and let the sugar caramelize for a few minutes. Don't be afraid to stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Finalizing the soup

8. Add about 1 liter of beef broth and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. At this point, the aroma will be irresistible!
9. In a separate bowl, mix the cold cooking cream with the flour using a whisk to avoid lumps. Add 1-2 ladles of hot broth to the cream and flour mixture, then pour this mixture into the pot with the soup. Let it come to a boil.
10. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Step 5: Preparing the gratin bread

11. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the slices of bread on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
12. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese and slices of brie cheese over the bread. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese has melted.

Step 6: Serving

13. Prepare the oven-safe bowls for the soup. Place a ladle of soup in each bowl, add a slice of gratin bread, and top with the onion soup. Make sure to leave a little space in each bowl to allow the soup to bubble in the oven.
14. Place in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until the broth starts to boil.

Serving suggestions

Serve the soup hot, straight from the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for added flavor and color. This dish is perfect alongside a crisp green salad or a semi-sweet white wine that will balance the sweetness of the soup.

Practical tips

- If you want to add extra flavor, you can experiment with different types of onions, such as red onions or green onions.
- Instead of beef broth, you can use chicken broth or even vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Make sure the onions are cooked over low heat to achieve a sweet and flavorful taste. Patience is essential!
- You can add spices like thyme or bay leaves to give the soup a more complex flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought caramelized onions?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramelized onions to save time, but the flavors will not be as intense.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a pinch of chili powder or chili sauce during cooking.

3. How long does the soup last?
Onion soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is best consumed fresh.

This onion soup is more than just a recipe; it is an invitation to enjoy the simple moments of life. I urge you to try it and let yourself be carried away by its delicate flavors! Bon appétit!