If you are looking for the best French onion soup recipe, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you will find information on how to prepare French onion soup, what to serve with it and even how to store it. This recipe is sure to impress your dinner guests.
What is French Onion Soup?
French onion soup is a traditional dish that is often made with beef or chicken stock, onions, and bread croutons. The soup is usually served with croutons or a larger piece of bread covered in cheese. Although the soup has been around for centuries, it gained a resurgence in popularity during the 1960s in the United States, thanks to increased interest in French food and culture.
The classic cheese used in French onion soup is Gruyere, but other types can also be used. Other cheeses that work well include Jarlsberg, Comte, and Beaufort. Mozzarella is another great option.
What to Serve With French Onion Soup?
If you want to impress your dinner guests with a special entree, French onion soup is one of the best options. You can try a few interesting additions to the soup. These ideas include Asparagus, Wild rice, Cheese plates, and pull-apart bread.
Asparagus
To prepare this soup, you will need to prepare the following ingredients: asparagus, onions, and pearl barley. First, you should wash the asparagus and cut off the woody tips. Next, cut the spears into 1/2 inch pieces. While the asparagus is cooking, you can also reserve the heads and use them as garnishes later. Once the asparagus and onions are cooked, add 5 cups of water to the pot and bring it to a boil. Cook the soup for about 15 to 20 minutes.
The soup is a classic French dish and can be prepared ahead of time. Serve the soup with a garnish made of the asparagus tips. Alternatively, you can add the asparagus tips to the soup just before serving.
Wild rice
A classic French onion soup is enhanced by the addition of wild rice. These grains complement onions and can be used in a variety of dishes. When cooking wild rice, follow the package directions, using two cups of water per 1/2 cup. Cook the rice until it is tender and all the water is absorbed. It will take approximately 40-50 minutes.
Wild rice is an underrated side dish, but is also a great way to add flavor to your soup. It is easy to make and is a delicious addition to soup bowls. Try pairing it with a simple, sweet, and tangy dressing for a delicious side dish.
Cheese plates
French onion soup pairs well with a variety of cheeses. Brie, cheddar, and blue cheeses all have distinct flavors that can enhance the richness of the soup. In addition, chives and fresh herbs can be added for crunch and flavor. You can also try adding quince jelly for sweetness and tanginess. Roasted vegetables are also a delicious side dish that complements this soup.
If you don’t want to make the soup, consider serving toasted baguette slices with it. These are the perfect accompaniment for the soup because they absorb the broth and complement the onion flavors.
Pull-apart bread
Pull-apart bread is a great way to serve French onion soup. You can make it ahead of time and then reheat it in the oven. The cheesy bread is topped with caramelized onions and wine, and the taste is very similar to the soup. It also makes a great appetizer. Pull-apart bread is easy to make, and it can be kept in the fridge for several hours. To make it, melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Slice the onions very thinly and then add them to the butter. Season them with salt to help them cook down more quickly.
Then, spread the caramelized onions from the French onion soup over the bread. Add cheese, if desired, and bake for about 20 minutes. You can serve the pull-apart bread as an appetizer, snack, or entree. This tasty bread is sure to please the whole family!
Wine
If you’re looking for a hearty, warming soup to serve to guests at dinner parties, try making this red wine and French onion soup. It’s simple to make and combines the best parts of French onion soup – caramelized onions and melted emmentaler cheese. It’s a great choice for cold weather, especially during fall and winter.
The deep, earthy flavour of French Onion Soup pairs well with the buttery and floral notes in this wine. The creamy texture of this wine matches well with the soup, and its acidity balances out the sweetness.
How to make French Onion Soup?
When it comes to a simple soup, French Onion Soup is one of the classics. This rustic comfort food is best made in a large pot or Dutch oven. In the pot, butter or oil is melted over medium heat, add the onions are added. Cook until the onions turn a deep golden brown. You can add water if the onions get too brown and prevent them from burning. You can also add flour to thicken the broth.
Once the soup has cooled, you can store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. To make your soup the next day, just reheat it. Fresh croutons are always preferred, but store-bought croutons can also be used.
How to store French Onion Soup?
French Onion Soup is often made with fresh ingredients, and when it comes to storing it, a freezer is a great choice. Keeping this soup in the freezer can help you re-heat it as needed. To add additional flavor, you can toast some bread and add it to the soup before serving.
To freeze it, use freezer-safe containers. Be sure to seal tightly. You can use Glass containers like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Collection, or plastic ones. Be sure to label them with the date of freezing and keep them in a cool place. This will help prevent condensation and freezer burn.
If you don’t want to use your freezer, you can freeze it in plastic bags. Be sure to buy freezer-safe bags, as cheap ones can leach the onion smell and taste into the soup. Also, keep in mind that hot soup will not freeze well and may melt the container. If you plan to add cheese or croutons to the soup, they won’t freeze as well.
Conclusion
The main ingredient in this traditional French dish is the onion. The right onion can add flavor and sweetness to the soup. It should be a light golden brown and free of burnt or raw flavor. It can be paired with butter, melted or unsalted. You can also add vinegar or sherry, preferably a dry variety.
French Onion Soup is a great winter comfort food, especially if you’re feeling chilly. This classic comfort food has been simmering on peasant stovetops since the beginning of time. Its origins have more to do with efficiency and economy than with hunting parties. And although the process is long and tedious, it is well worth the effort!