Onion soup, French-style
January 1, 2014 • Category: Main Dish
Happy New Year 2014!
Wishing everyone a great 2014. (Hope PEACE will prevail)
We did not have the spectacular fireworks that Dubai exhibited this year; (from what I hear, it was a Guiness World record) Nevertheless, it was joyful and peaceful; a bit irksome was hearing the firing of blank cartridges nearby, despite an official governmental warning against doing so…(hard to change ingrained habits I guess)
After the indulgences of the holidays, this soup is an easy one to put together, especially if you’ve got some bones laying around and a bottle of white wine to use up.
INGREDIENTS: 4 to 6 servings
- 1 lb lamb or beef bones or 3 cups of hearty beef bouillon
- 2 lbs onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- salt, to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 cups shredded cheese such as Swiss or Cheddar or Mozzarella
- 1/2 loaf baguette-style bread or country-style bread
1. A couple of hours ahead: Make a good meat bouillon by browing the bones then adding 4 cups of tap water and simmering it slowly for a good hour or longer; add aromatics if you have some, a few peppercorns, a bay leaf, a sprig of thyme or a carrot. After one good hour and while the bouillon is simmering, heat the oil in a large pot, fry the onions till browned and caramelized (adding a teaspoon of sugar can speed this operation a bit).
2. Sprinkle the flour on the onions and cook it for a couple of minutes by stirring the onions and flour with a wooden spoon. Add the wine and the strained meat bouillon; add salt and pepper and let the soup simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes until thickened; taste and adjust seasoning.
3. When almost ready to serve, toast the bread cut into slices; ladle the soup into bowls and place on top a large piece of toast and some cheese; microwave for a minute or two until the cheese melts; serve immediately.
Comments
11 Comments • Comments Feed
Laura@Silkroad says:
Looks delicious, Joumana!
Onion soup is one of our family favorites.
I caramelize the onions for an extra bit of ummmm . . .
Brilliant photo as well (as usual, I should say!)
On January 1, 2014 at 5:30 pm
Susan says:
This is just what I need on this cold, snowy day! I have several soup recipes on my kitchen counter to make in the next few weeks and this one is being added to the stack 🙂 Happy New Year, Joumana!
On January 2, 2014 at 9:18 am
sweffling says:
Yum, this looks so good! Happy 2014 to you and yours. Although I like fireworks I regret the amount that are now used over New Year. These loud bangs are frightening for most beasts and many people.
On January 2, 2014 at 1:04 pm
s says:
Dear J – Happy New Year! I saw an article about this restaurant and it reminded of you and your lovely dishes xo
http://zabadrestaurant.com/menubar.html
On January 3, 2014 at 8:36 am
Joumana says:
@Dear Shayma, happy new year to you as well! Hope the whole family will have a blessed 2014. I am surprised about this article, because I thought the restaurant had closed. Last time I was in that area, I did not see it; I went to their opening almost 2 years ago.
On January 3, 2014 at 10:43 am
Alicia (foodycat) says:
Happy New Year Joumana! This onion soup is one of my husband’s favourites – I must make it again soon!
On January 4, 2014 at 6:08 am
Jamie says:
This is such a wonderful version of French onion soup. I have been craving it lately, the warmth and the earthiness…. and now I must have some although in our home it is the Frenchman who makes it! Our New Year’s Eve was quiet, simple and intimate.
Wishing you a year of peace, joy, good health and prosperity, dear Joumana xo
On January 4, 2014 at 7:06 am
Kathy says:
Happy New Year, Joumana!! Wow…your onion soup looks divine!! I wish my husband ate onions, it’s the only reason I haven’t made this wonderful soup! Gorgeous photos!
On January 4, 2014 at 12:21 pm
Oui, Chef says:
Of all the French food I’ve cooked over the years, I have NEVER made a French Onion Soup….what’s wrong with me? Wishing you and your family a belated Happy Holidays, Joumana!
On January 4, 2014 at 1:28 pm
Nuts about food says:
Nothing better than French onion soup: great way to start the year. Happy New Year to you!
On January 6, 2014 at 4:38 am
Jessica says:
We are freezing here in Canada, so I might be making this….and soon! It looks delicious.
On January 7, 2014 at 4:01 pm