Recipe Station

The preparation time for this French Onion Soup Recipe is about ten minutes and the cook time is about one hour long. It should serve about four to six people.

See the following ingredients:

• 6 large red or yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced, about 10 cups of sliced onions total
• 4 Tbsp Olive oil
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups of beef stock, chicken stock, or a combination of the two
• 1/2 cup of dry vermouth or dry white wine
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons of dry thyme OR 4 teaspoons of fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp brandy (optional)

Method:

1) In a 5 to 6 quart thick-bottomed pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat. Add the onions and toss to coat with the olive oil. Cook the onions, stirring often, until they have softened, about 15 to 20 minutes. Increase the heat to medium high. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter and cook, stirring often, until the onions start to brown. Then sprinkle with sugar (to help with the caramelization) and 1 teaspoon of salt and continue to cook until the onions are well browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute more.

2 Add the vermouth to the pot and scrape up the browned bits on the bottom and sides of the pot, deglazing the pot as you go.

3 Add the stock, bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover the pot and lower the heat to maintain a low simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes. Season to taste with more salt and add freshly ground black pepper. Discard the bay leaves. Add brandy if using.

Just a note: The more caramelized the more flavor you’ll get from the onions.

Also, a great deal of the success of this French onion soup has to do with the stock used. Stocks do vary in its taste. If you’ve tried one you really like go with it but never buy one off the shelf and just hope for the best. Sample before you cook! Some cooks suggest adding bouillon to kick up the flavor.

Enjoy!

For more information, including the preparation of a tasty thick slice of toasted Gruyere cheese bread go to: Simply Recipes.