Traditional French Onion Soup

Traditional French Onion Soup

Ingredients 

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Baguette slices, toasted
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions
   • In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add sliced onions and sugar. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 30–40 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
2. Add garlic and deglaze
   • Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
   • Pour in wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
3. Simmer the soup
   • Add beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 20–30 minutes.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prepare the bread
   • While the soup simmers, toast baguette slices until golden.
5. Serve with cheese
   • Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls.
   • Place toasted baguette on top and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère.
   • Broil in the oven for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Enjoy!
   • Serve immediately while hot and gooey for a comforting classic meal.