5 Onion Soup Recipes from French's Cookbook

Soup enthusiasts and culinary explorers are in for a treat with these delectable onion soup recipes, straight from the well-thumbed pages of French's Cookbook. These recipes not only promise to delight your palate but also offer a peek into the rich tapestry of French cuisine, where simplicity meets sophistication.

The Classic French Onion Soup

The quintessential French onion soup is a must-have in any collection of soup recipes. This dish, with its layers of flavors, showcases the beauty of caramelized onions simmered to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• ¹⁄₄ cup of unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of dry white wine
• 8 cups of beef stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Slices of French bread or baguette
• 2 cups of Gruyère or Swiss cheese, grated

Instructions:

1. Caramelize Onions: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.
2. Deglaze: Increase heat to medium-high, add garlic, cook for a minute, then sprinkle flour over the onions. Cook for another 2 minutes to brown the flour. Pour in the wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
3. Add Liquids and Simmer: Add beef stock, bay leaf, and thyme. Simmer on low for about 20-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Prepare Bread: Meanwhile, toast slices of bread until golden brown.
5. Assemble Soup: Preheat the broiler. Ladle soup into oven-proof bowls, top with a slice of toasted bread, and cover with a generous amount of cheese.
6. Broil: Place bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

🧅 Note: Quality of ingredients, especially the onions, significantly impacts the flavor. Opt for sweet or Vidalia onions for an added depth of sweetness.

Garlic and Onion Soup

This twist on the classic French onion soup incorporates the bold flavors of garlic, creating a soup that’s both robust and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 6 large onions, sliced
• ¹⁄₂ head of garlic, cloves separated and minced
• ¹⁄₄ cup of olive oil
• 1 cup of white wine
• 6 cups of chicken stock
• ¹⁄₂ cup of heavy cream (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a pot, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant but not browned.
2. Cook Onions: Add onions, cook until they become soft and start to caramelize.
3. Simmer: Add wine, reduce by half, then add chicken stock. Simmer for about 30 minutes.
4. Finish: If using, stir in cream for a creamier texture, season, and serve topped with parsley.

🧄 Note: For a stronger garlic taste, roast the garlic before adding to the soup for a sweeter, milder flavor.

Vegan Onion Soup with Mushroom Broth

Embrace plant-based eating with this vegan version of the iconic French soup, swapping traditional ingredients for more sustainable options.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups of mixed mushrooms (like cremini, shiitake, and portobello), cleaned and chopped
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₄ cup of olive oil
• 6 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon of soy sauce or tamari
• Thyme and sage, fresh or dried
• 4 slices of vegan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make Mushroom Broth: Sauté mushrooms with some onions and garlic, then add water to cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and reserve broth.
2. Prepare Soup: In the same pot, caramelize the rest of the onions with olive oil. Add garlic, cook briefly, then pour in the mushroom broth.
3. Season and Simmer: Add herbs, nutritional yeast, and soy sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Serve: Ladle into bowls, top with slices of toasted vegan cheese if desired, and broil until bubbly.

🍄 Note: Using various mushrooms intensifies the umami flavor, making this soup rich without the use of animal products.

Caramelized Onion and Cheese Soup

Here, the caramelization of onions is taken to the extreme, resulting in a sweet, rich soup that is balanced with the sharpness of cheese.

Ingredients:

• 8 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons of sherry vinegar
• 2 cups of chicken stock
• 4 cups of water
• 2 cups of aged Cheddar cheese, grated
• Fresh thyme

Instructions:

1. Caramelize Onions: In a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Add onions, cook very slowly, stirring occasionally, for at least an hour until they are deeply caramelized.
2. Deglaze: Add sherry vinegar to the pot, cook until it evaporates.
3. Add Liquids: Pour in chicken stock and water, bring to a simmer, and cook for another 15-20 minutes.
4. Add Cheese: Off the heat, gradually stir in cheese until melted. Serve with a garnish of thyme.

Three Onion Soup

This recipe utilizes three varieties of onions to create layers of flavors, each bringing its unique taste and texture to the soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 large white onion, sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 1 large red onion, sliced
• 1 leek, cleaned and sliced
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• ¹⁄₄ cup of clarified butter or ghee
• 6 cups of beef bone broth or bouillon
• ¹⁄₄ cup of dry sherry
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste
• Parmigiano-Reggiano for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook Onions: In a large pot, melt the clarified butter over medium heat. Add all onions, leeks, and shallots, cook until they caramelize, about 30-40 minutes.
2. Add Sherry: Pour in sherry to deglaze the pan.
3. Simmer: Add beef bone broth, bring to a simmer, and let cook for 15-20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg.
4. Serve: Ladle into bowls, top with a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano.

🌰 Note: Using a combination of onions not only adds different flavors but also creates a visually appealing dish.

Wrapping Up

These five recipes from French’s Cookbook showcase the versatility of onions in creating a range of flavors and textures. From the classic to the modern, each soup promises to delight with its unique aroma, taste, and depth. Whether you’re a traditionalist or looking for a twist, these recipes will elevate your soup game, proving that onions are not just a base ingredient but a star in their own right.

Related Terms:

• french s onion recipe book
• french s onion recipe book
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