Step 1: Gathering Your Ingredients
To start with our delightful Campbell's French Onion Soup, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- 6 large yellow onions, sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves, fresh or dried
- 1/2 cup dry sherry or red wine
- 6 cups of beef broth
- 1/2 cup of Campbell's Condensed Beef Broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- French bread or baguette, sliced
- 1/2 to 1 cup of grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Make sure to select the freshest ingredients to maximize the flavor of your soup.
Step 2: Caramelizing the Onions
Caramelizing the onions is the cornerstone of making Campbell's French Onion Soup. Here's how to do it:
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the sliced onions, ensuring they're evenly coated in the melted butter.
- Cook the onions for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. They should turn a rich, golden brown as they caramelize.
- Once caramelized, add minced garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
⚡ Note: The key to caramelizing onions is patience. If you see them starting to burn, lower the heat and stir more frequently.
Step 3: Deglazing the Pot
After caramelizing the onions, it's time to deglaze the pot:
- Pour in the sherry or wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful bits stuck to it.
- Cook until the liquid is reduced by about half, enhancing the flavors.
Step 4: Simmering the Soup
Now we'll add the broth and let the flavors come together:
- Add the beef broth and Campbell's Condensed Beef Broth to the pot with the onions.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat to keep the soup at a gentle simmer for at least 20 minutes.
While the soup simmers, you can prepare your bread:
- Slice the French bread or baguette and toast lightly.
- Grate the cheese if it's not already grated.
Step 5: Assembly and Broiling
The final step brings it all together:
- Preheat your oven to broil or set a torch on hand.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
- Top each bowl with a slice of toasted bread, ensuring it covers the surface.
- Sprinkle generously with the grated cheese.
- Place the bowls on a baking sheet for easier handling.
- Broil in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, or use a torch to achieve the same effect.
🌡️ Note: Always use oven mitts when handling hot bowls, especially after broiling.
Enjoying your Campbell's French Onion Soup is the perfect finale to this culinary journey. Each step has contributed to creating a soup with depth, richness, and the unmistakable taste of home. Whether you're enjoying this classic on a chilly evening or as part of a comforting meal, the combination of caramelized onions, beef broth, sherry, and gooey, melted cheese brings a warm, savory satisfaction that is hard to match.
Can I use a different type of onion for this soup?
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While yellow onions are traditional, you can experiment with sweet or red onions. They’ll slightly alter the flavor, but the caramelizing process will still work wonders!
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
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Opt for gluten-free bread or skip the bread altogether. Campbell’s Condensed Beef Broth is typically gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the beef broth?
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Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead. For added depth, include a tablespoon of soy sauce or a mushroom concentrate to mimic the umami flavor of beef broth.
