Easy Onion Soup with Oodles of Gooey Cheese!





I tend to get these cravings for French Onion Soup ALOT! And since running to my nearest restaurant isn't always an option, i've taught myself how to make something sorta pleasant and just as comforting!

I began with this idea of needing to make onion soup with beef stock.
But didn't have any.
I had vegetable and chicken stock on hand, so decided to make-do.

The key to any good 'French Onion Soup' is the carmelization of the onions. Take the time to do it right---and that means, for like, an hour! I know, please do not run away...i did imply this was easy, but good things come to those who wait, right?

I also did not have the Gruyere or Swiss recommended. But i did have brie, cheddar, fresh parmesan, and a mass produced version of 'swiss cheese' known as, Kraft Singles.

This is what i tried and it was sooooo good!! Enjoy!

Onion Soup

Carmelized Onions
~ 3 tbsp butter
~ 3 tbsp oil (i chose olive)
~5 large onions, peeled and sliced thinly
~splash of water
~salt, pinch


The Soup
~1/2 cup brandy (may or may not omit)
~3 sprigs fresh thyme
~ 6 cups homemade chicken stock; of course, any chicken or vegetable stock will do
~salt and pepper
~croutons; store bought works (just watch for flavouring!) and so does toasting some of your own bread at home
~slices of brie
~fresh parmesan grated

Directions:

Carmelizing Onions
1. Toss the butter, oil, onions and water into a large soup pot with a few pinches of salt.
2. Cover with a tight fitting lid and let the onions softened over a medium high heat, about 10 mins.
3. When the water has evaporated, remove the lid, turn heat to low and begin to slowly carmelize onions, stirring frequently. *This will take about an hour.*


The Soup
1. When the onions become a deep golden colour and have shrunk dramatically, add the brandy (or not, a bit more stock works too), thyme and broth.
2. Season with salt and pepper and let simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Preheat your oven's broiler. Ladle the soup into 4 onion soup or ovenproof bowls and put croutons in each bowl.
4. Place sliced brie on top of croutons, adding in freshly grated parmesan or any other type of cheese to add GOOEY power!
5. Place bowls onto a baking sheet. Place under the broiler and broil until the soup is bubbling and the tops are golden brown!


The great thing about Onion Soup is that it's not expensive to make! If you don't want to use those pricier cheeses, don't! AND, if you are throwing a dinner party, Onion Soup can be dressed up rather nicely and served as a course!

One tip: Do go easy on the salt. I often find that if i don't like someones (be it a restaurant or other chefs!) French Onion Soup, it's because it is too salty! Salt can always be added later!
Hope this recipe is as yummy in your tummy as it is (often) in mine!!

SamiJoe
*disclaimer: i only LIKE to cook...i am not claiming to be good at it.


Comments

hey sami,
regan makes an amazing onion soup too! he uses bagels as his bread part...breaks them up into large pieces and they are fab!
~e
legend_018 said…
im going to try this soon
Dee said…
OMG, french onion soup is my absolute favorite. It's 10:40 p.m. and my stomach is rumbling after reading this post.

Popular Posts