Description
Jamie Oliver’s French Onion Soup is a savory, comforting soup made by slowly caramelizing onions and simmering them in a beef or vegetable broth. The soup is traditionally topped with toasted bread and Gruyère cheese, then broiled until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
- 6 large onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1.5 liters beef or vegetable stock
- 1 bay leaf
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices of French baguette
- 100g Gruyère or Swiss cheese (grated)
Instructions
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Be patient, as this step is essential for developing the rich flavor of the soup.
Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the beef or vegetable stock to the pot, along with the bay leaf and fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s grill (broiler). Toast the slices of French baguette under the grill until golden on both sides. Set aside.
Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl, then sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under the grill for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once the cheese is melted and golden, carefully remove the bowls from the oven. Serve the French onion soup hot and enjoy the rich flavors of caramelized onions, broth, and melted cheese.