French Onion Soup
France
Also known as Soupe à l'oignon gratinée
About French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup is a rich, deeply flavored soup made by slowly cooking a large quantity of onions in butter until they are dark golden and sweet, then simmering them in beef stock. It is topped with toasted bread and a thick layer of melted, browned cheese.
The secret is patience: the onions are cooked for up to an hour so their sugars caramelize. A splash of wine or brandy and a sprig of thyme add depth. The soup is poured into ovenproof bowls, covered with bread and grated Gruyère or Comté, and grilled until bubbling.
Onion soup has been eaten in France for centuries as a cheap, filling meal. The gratinée version became famous in the 19th century at Les Halles, the old central food market in Paris, where it was served late at night to market workers.
Ingredients
- onions
- beef stock
- butter
- thyme
- bread
- Gruyere cheese
- salt