Posted by isabel on Feb 22nd 2023
Onion Soup with White Wine: A Classic Comfort Food
There's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of French onion soup.
With its rich broth, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese topping, it's a dish that's both hearty and elegant. Here’s how to make it, with some added tips to elevate your onion soup to the next level.
Serves: 2
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Oven-safe bowls or crocks
- Grater (for shredding cheese)
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 onion (about 200 g), peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 + 1/3 cups vegetable broth (or use 1/2 bouillon cube dissolved in 2 cups (1/2 L) hot water)
- 1/3 cup white wine (a dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc works best)
- 2 slices of country bread or 4 thin slices of baguette
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded Swiss cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Prepare the Onions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until golden and caramelized (about 10 minutes).
Tip: For an extra depth of flavor, cook the onions on low heat for 20-30 minutes to achieve a deeper caramelization. Stir often to prevent burning.
2. Create the Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir until the onions are coated, and the mixture forms a paste.
- Gradually add a small amount of broth, stirring vigorously to create a smooth base. Once combined, pour in the remaining broth and white wine. Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tip: Use a dry white wine to balance the sweetness of the onions. If you’d like a stronger flavor, add a splash more wine during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
3. Adjust the Seasoning
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the cheese will add saltiness, so be cautious.
Tip: Add a sprig of fresh thyme or a bay leaf while the soup simmers for a subtle herbal note. Remove before serving.
4. Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the soup between oven-safe bowls or crocks. Top each with a slice of country bread (or 2 to 3 slices of baguette), and sprinkle generously with shredded Swiss cheese.
Tip: Rub the bread with a clove of garlic before adding it to the soup for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Bake and Broil
- Place the bowls on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. For a beautifully golden, bubbling top, switch to the broil setting for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Tip: Keep an eye on the broiler to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn.
Additional Tips for Perfect Onion Soup
- Cheese Options: If Swiss cheese isn’t your favorite, try Gruyère, Comté, or even a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a twist.
- Broth Variations: For a richer flavor, substitute beef or chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
- Make-Ahead Tip: The soup base (without the bread and cheese) can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat before assembling and baking.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair your onion soup with a crisp green salad and a glass of the same white wine you used in the recipe for a complete meal.
This classic onion soup is sure to impress, whether you're serving it as a cozy dinner for two or as a starter for a larger gathering. Enjoy every cheesy, savory spoonful!