Classic French Onion Soup with a Twist
vxdaIndulge in a French onion soup that is both rich and flavorful, crafted with a delightful combination of various onions and leeks, gently simmered to perfection to achieve maximum flavor. Follow this recipe for a comforting and satisfying dish suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pcs onion
- 1 pcs onion
- 3 pcs shallot
- 3 pcs leek
- 113 g butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ l beef stock
- 60 ml cream sherry
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
To serve
- 6 pcs crouton
- 150 g gruyere cheese
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the leeks: Remove the root ends and dark green parts (save these for making beef stock). Halve the white and light green parts lengthwise, then slice into half-moons. Wash the sliced leeks in a bucket of water to ensure all sand is removed, then dry thoroughly.
- 2
Prepare the onions and shallots: Peel and clean the Spanish onions, Vidalia onions (if using), and shallots. Chop them into small, tablespoon-sized pieces. Halve the large onion, make two cuts perpendicular to the grain, and then chop into small pieces.
- 3
Caramelize the onions: In a large pan, melt some butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped Spanish onions, Vidalia onions, and shallots. Sauté over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown. This step requires patience but is essential for developing the flavor.
- 4
Start the roux: In a separate large pot, melt more butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cook the roux for a few minutes, until it turns a light golden color, stirring constantly.
- 5
Combine the ingredients: Transfer the caramelized onions and leeks to the pot with the roux. Mix well to combine.
- 6
Add liquids: Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth if you prefer, especially in a vegan version). Add the sherry (sherry cream or ruby port). Pay attention to the alcohol content.
- 7
Season the soup: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that prepared broths may already be high in sodium, so adjust seasoning accordingly.
- 8
Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to very low to simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 1.5 hours, allowing the flavors to fully meld and intensify.
- 9
Adjust consistency (optional): If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add flour by sifting a small amount through a sieve directly into the soup, while stirring thoroughly.
- 10
Serve: Serve hot, traditionally with a toasted baguette slice and melted cheese in a broiler-safe bowl or simply in a regular bowl.