
Delicious French Onion Soup Recipe
Introduction
French Onion Soup is a classic, savory dish that's perfect for any occasion. This healthy version contains only 290 calories per serving, making it a guilt-free option for a cozy meal. Made with caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and topped with gluten-free bread crumbs and melted cheese, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Recipe Information
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 lb. yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 oz white wine
- 9 cups beef broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Gluten-free bread crumbs
- Swiss cheese, or your favorite cheese
- Chives, for garnish
Directions:
Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot, sauté the thinly sliced onions with unsalted butter over medium heat. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 20-25 minutes, stirring often. Add a few drops of water if the onions become too dry. Aim for a caramelized texture, not browned.
Add Flour: Sprinkle in the flour, mixing well for another 2-3 minutes to form a roux that will help thicken the soup.
Simmer with Herbs and Wine: Add the dried thyme, bay leaf, and white wine. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add Broth and Season: Pour in the beef broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat, cover, and let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Prepare for Broiling: Preheat your broiler. Ladle 1-1/2 cups of soup into each of the 6 oven-proof bowls and place them on a baking sheet.
Top with Bread and Cheese: Add a layer of gluten-free bread crumbs to each bowl and top with a generous amount of Swiss cheese or your preferred cheese.
Broil: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped chives and serve hot.
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Tips for the Perfect French Onion Soup
- Onion Choice: Yellow onions are best for their sweet flavor when caramelized.
- Caramelizing: Stir frequently to prevent burning, adding a few drops of water if necessary.
- Cheese: Gruyère cheese is a traditional choice if you want to switch things up.
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Nutrition Information
- Calories: 290 per serving
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 12g
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FAQs
Can I make French Onion Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and broil with bread crumbs and cheese just before serving.
What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?
You can use Gruyère, provolone, or even mozzarella as a substitute.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan: Use vegetable broth and vegan butter. Substitute cheese with a vegan alternative.
- Low-Carb: Skip the bread crumbs and use a low-carb cheese.