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Classic French Onion Soup (Without Wine)

A cozy bowl of Classic French Onion Soup made without wine, featuring caramelized onions and gooey Gruyère cheese for a rich, comforting dish.
Préparation 20 minutes
Cuisson 1 heure
Temps total 1 heure 20 minutes
Portions: 6 servings
Plat: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450

Ingrédients
  

For the Soup
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Use margarine or butter substitute for vegan option.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Enhances the onions' natural sweetness.
  • 6 cups beef broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 French baguette sliced into ½-inch pieces Use gluten-free bread for gluten-free option.
  • 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese Swiss or mozzarella can be used as alternatives.

Préparation
 

Preparation
  1. Gather all your ingredients and tools: a large pot, wooden spoon, and oven-safe bowls.
Caramelization
  1. Heat the pot over medium-low heat, then add the butter and olive oil.
  2. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced onions and stir to coat.
  3. Cook slowly for 10 minutes, then sprinkle in the sugar and a pinch of salt.
  4. Continue cooking for another 30-40 minutes until onions are deep golden brown.
Adding Garlic and Building the Broth
  1. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the broth along with Worcestershire sauce, thyme, black pepper, remaining salt, and bay leaf.
  3. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking for 20-25 minutes.
Preparing Topping
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
  2. Toast the slices for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp.
Assembling and Broiling
  1. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls.
  2. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl.
  3. Sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese generously over the baguette.
  4. Broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
  1. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.

Notes et conservation

For a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream. Avoid rushing the caramelization process for the best flavor.