Light lunch with French Onion Soup Recipe - Dinner With Julia (2024)

Leave a Comment / By Julia / November 14, 2023

Hello, dear friends! It’s Julia from Dinner with Julia. Today, we’re going to explore a classic French dish that has warmed my heart and soul time and time again – the French Onion Soup.

My first encounter with French Onion Soup was during a winter trip to Lyon. The rich, savory broth, the sweet caramelized onions, and the gooey, melted cheese – it was love at first spoonful. Since then, this dish has become a comfort food staple in my kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share my passion for it with you.

French Onion Soup Recipe

Light lunch with French Onion Soup Recipe - Dinner With Julia (1)

Light lunch with French Onion Soup Recipe - Dinner With Julia (2)

French Onion Soup Recipe

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Course Soup

Cuisine French

Servings 4 people

Calories 430 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large saucepan

  • 1 oven

Ingredients

  • Two cups of beef stock
  • Two crushed garlic
  • A pinch of salt
  • A pinch of black pepper
  • Two tablespoon of olive oil
  • One cup of dried white wine
  • One cup of onion
  • Three tablespoon of all-purpose flour
  • Two tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
  • Three tablespoon of softened butter
  • One bay leaf
  • Two tablespoon of fresh thyme
  • One cup of grated or sliced cheese
  • French bread slices
  • One cup of chopped dill

Instructions

  • Take a large saucepan.

  • Add the oil and onions into the pan.

  • Cook the onions until they turn golden brown.

  • Add the crushed garlic into the pan.

  • Add the spices into the mixture.

  • Add the all-purpose flour, Worcestershire sauce and dried white wine.

  • Add the butter and then add the beef stock.

  • Cover the pan with a lid for five minutes.

  • Let the soup cook properly.

  • Dish out the soup into soup bowls.

  • Add the grated or sliced cheese on top.

  • Bake the soup for ten minutes.

  • Switch off the oven when the cheese melts.

  • Add the chopped fresh dill on top.

  • Serve the soup with toasted bread slices.

  • The dish is ready to be served.

Video

Keyword onion

A New Spin on French Onion Soup: Using a Slow Cooker

Light lunch with French Onion Soup Recipe - Dinner With Julia (3)

  • Caramelize the onions:Start by caramelizing the onions on the stovetop as usual. This step is crucial for developing that deep, sweet flavor that’s characteristic of French Onion Soup.
  • Transfer to the best slow cooker:Once the onions are caramelized, transfer them to your slow cooker. Add your broth, seasonings, and any other ingredients your recipe calls for.
  • Cook on low:Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours. This slow, gentle cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  • Serve with cheese-topped bread:Just before serving, toast some bread, top it with cheese, and broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Ladle the soup into bowls, top with the cheesy bread, and serve hot.

Tips for making French Onion Soup

Light lunch with French Onion Soup Recipe - Dinner With Julia (4)

French Onion Soup is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. It’s all about letting the ingredients shine. The onions are slowly caramelized until they reach a deep golden brown, then simmered in a flavorful broth, and finally topped with a slice of crusty bread and a generous helping of melted cheese. The result? A dish that’s hearty, comforting, and oh-so-delicious.

Cooking Tips for French Onion Soup

Now, let’s dive into some tips to help you master this dish at home.

Tip 1: Take Your Time with the Onions

The key to a great French Onion Soup lies in properly caramelizing the onions. This process takes time, but trust me, it’s worth it. The onions should be cooked slowly over low heat until they’re deeply golden and sweet.

Tip 2: Choose Your Broth Wisely

The broth forms the base of the soup, so it’s important to use a high-quality one. I recommend using a homemade beef or vegetable broth for the best flavor.

Tip 3: Don’t Skimp on the Cheese

The melted cheese topping is one of the best parts of French Onion Soup. Use a good melting cheese like Gruyere or Swiss, and don’t be shy with it!

Serving Suggestions for French Onion Soup

Wondering how to serve your French Onion Soup? Here are my top suggestions:

  • Pair with a Salad:A light, fresh salad is a great accompaniment to the soup. It provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors.
  • Serve with Wine:A glass of red or white wine pairs beautifully with French Onion Soup.
  • Add a Side of Bread:For an extra hearty meal, serve the soup with a side of crusty bread.

FAQs About French Onion Soup

Before we wrap up, let’s address some common questions about this dish:

  • Can I use another type of onion?Yes, you can use any type of onion, but yellow onions are traditionally used in French Onion Soup.
  • Can I make the soup ahead of time?Yes, the soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Just add the bread and cheese topping right before serving.
  • What can I use instead of beef broth?If you’re vegetarian, you can use vegetable broth instead.
  • Can I add other ingredients to the soup?Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additions like garlic, thyme, or bay leaves.
  • How do I store leftover soup?Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Remember, cooking is all about creativity and personal preference. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tools and techniques. You might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy French Onion Soup.

Light lunch with French Onion Soup Recipe - Dinner With Julia (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat bread with French onion soup? ›

Yes. French (Parisian, really) onion soup is traditionally served either on top of, or topped with a croute / croûton. That is, a crunchy piece of white bread.

What is the etiquette for eating French onion soup? ›

With such a soup, a knife is your friend, not your enemy. Using both the soup spoon and the knife, push the baked cheese against the rim of the cup or bowl and cut it gently with the knife. Once you've broken the cheese barrier, you can use the knife again to nudge bits of cheese onto the spoon.

What can you have with soup for dinner? ›

25 Sides for Soup
  • 01 of 25. Simple Roasted Butternut Squash. View Recipe. ...
  • 02 of 25. Low-Carb Zucchini Pasta. View Recipe. ...
  • 03 of 25. Fried Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 04 of 25. Roasted Green Beans. ...
  • 05 of 25. Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe. ...
  • 06 of 25. Butter-Roasted Cauliflower. ...
  • 07 of 25. Buttered Biscuits. ...
  • 08 of 25. Quick and Easy Grilled Potatoes.
Dec 2, 2020

What is the difference between onion soup and French onion soup? ›

What is the Difference Between Onion Soup and French Onion Soup? French onion soup is always made with beef stock. Other onion soups can be made with chicken, vegetable, or beef stock. Additionally, French onion soup typically contains wine or sherry, which isn't typical or necessary in other onion soups.

How many days is French onion soup good for? ›

Leftover French onion soup can generally be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to transfer it to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent odors from affecting the soup. If you don't plan to consume it within this timeframe, consider freezing the soup for longer storage.

Is French onion soup good for you? ›

Well, you'll be pleased to know that french onion soup is, in fact, a highly nutritious choice. Onions, as part of the Allium family, contain Quercetin which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and should not be overlooked as a vegetable when considering your daily 7-a-day.

Is French onion soup good for your stomach? ›

French Onion Soup is a classic soup recipe that contains a clear broth base, which can help rehydrate your body and simultaneously ease stomach aches. Not to mention, it pairs perfectly with a crusty baguette or a handful of crunchy crackers.

Can you use any bowl for French onion soup? ›

French onion soup is traditionally served in lionhead bowls, which are deep but not very wide porcelain bowls. Here are four reasons why these bowls are perfect: Plenty of soup. Even as the bread on top starts to soak up some of the soup, there's still plenty left underneath.

Did Panera Bread get rid of French onion soup? ›

Panera Bread is reintroducing the fan-favorite Bistro French Onion Soup after its temporary removal in September prompted a national outcry across social media.

Why did Vikings eat onion soup? ›

Wounded Viking warriors ate strong onion soup.

If a man was wounded in the stomach during a battle, women would feed them a potent onion soup. If they could smell the broth through the wound, they knew the stomach wall was cut—signaling that the man would not survive his wounds.

Does it matter how you cut onions for French onion soup? ›

For French onion soup, it is best to slice the onions into thin, even slices. This will allow them to cook evenly and caramelize properly. You can achieve this by cutting the onion in half, placing the flat side down, and slicing it widthwise into thin slices.

How do you eat Costco French onion soup? ›

Heat 1 soup for 3 minutes on HIGH in the microwave oven (1200 W). Remove soup from microwave oven; sprinkle about 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of additional shredded Swiss or other firm cheese over top of soup. Heat for 20 minutes in preheated oven or until the cheese becomes golden brown.

What to serve with French onion sliders? ›

French dip sliders as a meal can go with all sorts of different sides. We love it with herb and garlic roasted potatoes and some roasted garlic veggies. A side of baked beans is great on the side too with a fresh fruit salad. You could really do anything you want!

What bowl to serve French onion soup in? ›

French onion soup is traditionally served in lionhead bowls, which are deep but not very wide porcelain bowls. Here are four reasons why these bowls are perfect: Plenty of soup. Even as the bread on top starts to soak up some of the soup, there's still plenty left underneath.

Why is French onion soup good for you? ›

As part of the Allium family, along with leeks, shallots, garlic and chives, onions have long been associated with numerous medicinal benefits. They are a very good source of vitamin C and B6, iron, folate, and potassium and are known to provide cold and flu relief with its anti-inflammatory properties.

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