How to Make the Perfect French Onion Soup

French onion soup is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold winter night. It's rich, savory, and full of flavor. But making a truly perfect French onion soup can be a little tricky. There are a few key things you need to get right, from the caramelization of the onions to the cheese topping.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need to make a delicious French onion soup:

• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• Baguette slices, toasted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to make the perfect French onion soup:

1. Caramelize the onions: Melt the butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are very soft and deeply caramelized, about 45 minutes. Be patient with this step – the caramelized onions are the key to a good French onion soup.
2. Add the wine and broth: Stir in the red wine and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the beef broth, water, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Thicken the soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth. Gradually whisk the flour mixture into the soup and cook, stirring constantly, until the soup has thickened slightly.
4. Assemble the soup: Preheat your oven's broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with the Gruyere and Parmesan cheese. Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices.

Tips for Success

• Use good quality beef broth: The broth is the foundation of the soup, so use a broth that you would enjoy drinking on its own.
• Don't rush the caramelization: It takes time to caramelize the onions properly. Be patient and don't be afraid to cook them for longer than 45 minutes if necessary.
• Toast the baguette: Toasting the baguette gives it a nice crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.

Variations

Here are a few ideas for variations on classic French onion soup:

• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar: A teaspoon or two of balsamic vinegar will add a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Use different cheese: Try using a different cheese, like Fontina or Provolone, for a different flavor profile.
• Add a little bit of sherry: Sherry will add a nutty flavor to the soup.

Enjoy!

With a little patience and the right ingredients, you can make the perfect French onion soup. Enjoy!