Five Star French Onion Soup Food

FRENCH ONION SOUP

Steps:

• In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the oil, onions, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until onions are deep golden brown and caramelized, 45 to 55 minutes. In the beginning, you will only need to stir the onions only occasionally. As they start to brown midway through cooking, you will need to stir them frequently, scraping the fond (the brown particles) from the bottom of the pan. If the onions are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly or add a few tablespoons of water to deglaze the pan and continue cooking.
• Add the wine and raise the heat to high. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape any fond from the bottom of the pan, until almost all of the liquid has evaporated and the onions are jammy, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for one minute.
• Add the broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook, covered, for about 30 minutes.
• While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 400°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until the bread is dry, crisp, and golden at edges, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
• When the soup is finished, remove the bay leaves and add the sherry; taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the soup needs a deeper flavor, try a few shakes of Worcestershire sauce. If it's not quite sweet enough, add ¼ teaspoon sugar.
• Adjust an oven rack 6 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Set individual broiler-safe crocks on a baking sheet and divide the hot soup among the crocks (be sure the soup is very hot as it won't warm up much in the oven). Top each crock with 1 or 2 baguette slices (do not overlap slices) and sprinkle evenly with Gruyère and then Parmigianno Reggiano. Slide the crocks into the oven and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly around edges, 3 to 5 minutes. Let the crocks cool for a few minutes before serving. (Alternatively, if using regular soup bowls: Top each toast slice with some cheese and return to broiler to melt, about 2 minutes more. Divide the soup among bowls and top each serving with two cheese toasts.)
• Make-Ahead Instructions: The soup can be made and refrigerated up to 3 days ahead (without toasts or cheese), or up to 3 months ahead and frozen. Toasts can be made (without the cheese) and kept sealed at room temperature for up to 3 days.

RESTAURANT-STYLE FRENCH ONION SOUP

Steps:

• Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Cook and stir onions, garlic, salt, black pepper, and thyme until onions are soft and brown, about 30 minutes. Pour in red wine and sherry; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until you can no longer smell alcohol cooking off, about 15 more minutes.
• Sprinkle onion mixture with flour and stir until coated; cook for 10 minutes. Pour in broth, stir to blend in flour, and simmer until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) while soup is simmering. Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
• Toast the baguette slices in the preheated oven until golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes, turning the bread over halfway through cooking. Remove toast and set aside.
• Set an oven rack about 8 inches from the heat source and turn on the oven's broiler.
• Ladle soup into 6 oven-proof crocks, filling them about 3/4 full. Place 1 or 2 bread slices into the bowls and top each with a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of provolone. Carefully place filled crocks onto a sturdy baking sheet.
• Broil soup until the cheese is browned and bubbling, 3 to 4 minutes.

FIVE STAR FRENCH ONION SOUP

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 minutes. Add the flour and stir until well blended. Add the black pepper, bay leaf, and paprika. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture cook for 10 minutes. While stirring, slowly add the beef stock and wine. Let the mixture simmer for 2 hours. Season to taste with salt. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool. Place in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to serve, return the pan to the stove and heat over medium heat. Remove the bay leaf. Preheat the oven broiler. Place 1 cup of the soup individual oven-proof soup bowls. Top each with a couple slices of French bread and then top the bread with a slice of Swiss cheese. Place the soup bowls under the broiler and let cook for 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and browned. Carefully remove the soup bowls from the oven and serve hot. Warn guests that the bowls are very hot.

FRENCH ONION SOUP

Steps:

• Melt the stick of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and salt and pepper and cook until the onions are very soft and caramelized, about 25 minutes. Add the wine, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the wine has evaporated and the onions are dry, about 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Dust the onions with the flour and give them a stir. Turn the heat down to medium low so the flour doesn't burn, and cook for 10 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Now add the beef broth, bring the soup back to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
• When you're ready to eat, preheat the broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle the slices with the Gruyere and broil until bubbly and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Ladle the soup in bowls and float several of the Gruyere croutons on top.
• Alternative method: Ladle the soup into bowls, top each with 2 slices of bread and top with cheese. Put the bowls into the oven to toast the bread and melt the cheese.

FRENCH ONION SOUP

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large, heavy pot over medium. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and beginning to turn golden, 35 to 40 minutes (if onions develop color quickly, reduce heat).
• Add butter, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring a few times, until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes more. Add vermouth and boil, scraping up browned bits from bottom of pot, until mostly evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Stir in stock and Marsala. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and gently simmer 45 minutes. Season to taste.
• Preheat broiler. Ladle soup into broiler-safe crocks or bowls set on a rimmed baking sheet. Nestle a piece of toast into each, partially submerged, and top each with 1/3 cup Gruyère. Broil until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown in places, 2 to 4 minutes. (Soup without toast and cheese can be cooled and refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days, or frozen up to 6 months.)

SLOW COOKER FRENCH ONION SOUP

Steps:

• Heat butter in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat; cook and stir onions until they become translucent, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle onions with sugar; reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring constantly, until onions are soft and browned, at least 30 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Stir sherry into onion mixture and scrape bottom of pot to dissolve small bits of browned food from the pot. Transfer onions into a slow cooker and pour in beef broth. Season to taste with sea salt; stir in thyme and bay leaf. Cover cooker, set on High, and cook 4 to 6 hours. If desired, set on Low and cook 8 to 10 hours.
• About 10 minutes before serving, set oven rack about 8 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler. Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet.
• Broil bread slices until toasted, 1 to 2 minutes per side.
• Combine Gruyere, Emmental, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses in a bowl, tossing lightly. Fill oven-safe soup crocks 3/4 full of onion soup and float a bread slice in each bowl. Top with about 2 tablespoons of cheese mixture per serving.
• Place filled bowls onto a baking sheet and broil until cheese topping is lightly browned and bubbling, about 2 minutes.

OUR FAVORITE FRENCH ONION SOUP

Steps:

• In a large Dutch oven or other large pot, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the oil and onions; cook onions are until softened, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Add the salt, pepper, and sugar; continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden brown and caramelized, reducing heat slightly if onions seem to be browning too quickly, 35 to 45 minutes more.
• Add wine and raise heat to high. Cook until almost all liquid has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Tie thyme and bay leaves into a bundle with twine. Add broth and herb bundle to pot with onions. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, until broth is thickened and flavorful, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Heat the broiler. Cut two 1/2-inch baguette slices for every serving of soup. Place baguette slices on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in oven until crisp and dry but not browned, about 1 minute per side. Rub one side of each toast with the garlic clove and set aside.
• Place ramekins or ovensafe bowls on a rimmed baking sheet, add 1/2 teaspoon of sherry to the bottom of each, and ladle soup on top. Top each serving of soup with two garlic-rubbed toasts. Divide cheese among the servings, covering the bread and some of the soup. Carefully transfer baking sheet to oven and broil until cheese is melted and bubbling, 4 to 8 minutes. (Alternatively, if using regular soup bowls: Top each garlic-rubbed toast with some cheese and return to broiler to melt, about 2 minutes more. Divide sherry and soup among bowls, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and top each serving with two cheese toasts.)

SOUTHERN STYLE FRENCH ONION SOUP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Place the onion in the butter and saute for 5 to 10 minutes, or until tender. Stir in the thyme and remove from heat.
• In a large pot over high heat, combine the consomme, bay leaves and white wine, if desired. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, stir in the sauteed onions and allow to heat through, about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Ladle soup into 4 individual oven-safe bowls, filling each about 3/4 of the way. Top each bowl with 2 slices of baguette bread and then cover each with the cheese.
• Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

THE ULTIMATE RIBEYE FRENCH ONION SOUP

Steps:

• Sprinkle steak with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
• Heat butter and oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add steak; sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove steak; drain all but 1 tablespoon drippings. Stir in onions and thyme; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are tender, about 15 minutes. Add wine and bring to a boil, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits. Boil until wine is reduced by half, about 15 minutes.
• Cut steak from the bones and chop into 1-inch pieces; transfer to the pot. Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until beef is very tender, about 3 hours. Add water as needed to keep onions and beef covered.
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Arrange bread on a small baking sheet.
• Bake bread in the preheated oven until toasted, about 6 minutes.
• Stir mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese together in a small bowl.
• Remove and discard bones and thyme sprigs from the pot. Skim off any excess fat. Stir in remaining salt and pepper.
• Set an oven rack 4 to 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler. Divide soup among 4 oven-proof bowls or mugs; arrange on a large foil-lined baking sheet. Top each bowl with toast and cheeses.
• Broil soups until cheese is browned and bubbly, 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.

CLASSIC FRENCH ONION SOUP

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons oil and butter over medium heat. Add onions; cook and stir until softened, 10-13 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown, 30-40 minutes. Add minced garlic; cook 2 minutes longer., Stir in wine. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Add broth, pepper and salt; return to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour. , Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet; brush both sides with remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Bake until toasted, 3-5 minutes on each side. Rub toasts with halved garlic. , To serve, place twelve 8-oz. broiler-safe bowls or ramekins on baking sheets; place 2 toasts in each. Ladle with soup; top with cheese. Broil 4 in. from heat until cheese is melted.

FRENCH ONION SOUP VI

Steps:

• Place beef ribs in a large stock pot over medium heat. Brown on all sides. Cover with water and bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat and simmer 1 hour.
• Remove meat and bones to a cutting board to cool. Introduce onions, beef broth and salt to the rib water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 1 hour.
• When the bones are cool enough to handle, remove the meat with a knife. Finely chop the meat and add to the soup.
• After an hour of simmering, season the soup with the liquid seasoning and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer 30 minutes more.
• Preheat oven broiler.
• Cut French bread in slices that will fit in your serving bowls. Place slices on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder and paprika. Place under preheated broiler until browned, 2 to 10 minutes.
• Ladle soup into 6 ovenproof serving bowls. Lay one crouton over each serving. Top with mozzarella. Place bowls on a sturdy baking sheet and place under broiler to melt cheese, 1 minutes. Serve at once.

FIVE-ONION SOUP

Steps:

• Melt 1/4 cup butter in heavy large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add shallots, all onions and leek; saute until golden, about 15 minutes.
• Add 1 T. garlic and cloves; saute 1 minute.
• Stir in broth and Sherry, bring to boil.
• Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 30 minutes.
• Preheat broiler.
• Combine 2 T. melted butter and 1 t. garlic in a small bowl.
• Place bread on baking sheet and brush with half of garlic butter.
• Broil bread until lightly toasted; about 2 minutes. Turn over and repeat this step.
• Sprinkle bread with parmesan cheese.
• Preheat oven to 500 degrees.
• Ladle soup into oven safe bowls.
• Top each bowl with 1 toasted bread slice, 1 slice of swiss and 1 slice of mozzarella.
• Bake until soup is hot and cheese melts; about 10 minutes.

MICHAEL RULMAN'S TRADITIONAL FRENCH ONION SOUP

Steps:

• Place a 7 1/2-quart enameled cast-iron pot over medium heat; melt butter. Add onions and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons salt; cover, and cook until onions have heated through and started to steam. Uncover and reduce heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally, until amber and cooked down, about 3 hours. Season with pepper.
• Meanwhile, preheat oven to 200 degrees.
• Place bread slices on a baking sheet and transfer to oven. Let dry completely, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Add 6 cups water to pot with onions; increase heat to high and bring to a simmer. Immediately reduce heat to low. Add sherry; season with salt and pepper. Add a splash of vinegar, if desired, to cut sweetness. For more depth of flavor add a splash of red wine, if desired.
• Preheat broiler. Divide soup evenly among 4 to 6 ovenproof bowls; top with toasted bread. Divide cheese evenly among bowls. Transfer bowls to broiler; broil until cheese is melted and browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

CREAMY 5 ONION SOUP

Steps:

• Melt the butter over medium high heat in a dutch oven. Fry the bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towel and set aside.
• To the bacon drippings add the yellow, red, and white onions, shallots, thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Saute, stirring often, until the onions begin to caramelize (at least 15 minutes).
• Add the leeks and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle on the flour, and stir gently until all the flour is incorporated. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the flour has begun to cook (at least 5 minutes).
• Add the Chicken stock and taste to adjust seasonings. Bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits off the bottom. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer, partly covered, for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove the bay leaf and use a submersible blender to puree the soup. Add the cream, taste to adjust seasonings, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
• Ladle into individual bowls, sprinkled with some of the reserved bacon.

FIVE-ONION SOUP WITH SCALLION AND GRUYERE CROUTONS

Steps:

• In a large stockpot, saute the five onions, garlic, and a heavy pinch of salt in 2 tbsp oil until the onions are carmelized. Deglaze with the wine. Add thyme and stock to the pot. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer for about an hour. Adjust seasoning as needed, and remove the thyme stems.
• Shortly before the soup is finished, preheat the broiler. Mix a generous amount of the scallion greens with the cheese. Coat the bread coins with the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, and place on the broiler pan. Top each coin with some of the cheese mixture. Bake in the middle of the broiler for about 3 minutes to melt the cheese, then move them closer to the broiler element to get the cheese brown and bubbly.
• Ladle the soup into a bowl, and top with several Gruyere croutons. Allow them to rest a bit, to soak up some of the soup, before eating.

FAST FRENCH ONION SOUP

Steps:

• Heat broiler. Bring low-sodium beef broth and caramelized onions to a simmer over medium; season with coarse salt and ground pepper. Top thick-sliced country bread with grated Gruyere cheese and season with pepper; broil until toasted. Serve soup with cheese toasts.

FINE COOKING'S FRENCH ONION SOUP

Steps:

• In a large, wide soup pot , melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the onions gently, stirring frequently, until they're very soft and have begun to turn a dark straw color, 35 to 45 minute.
• When the onions are ready, stir in the flour and cook for 3 to 4 min., stirring frequently.
• Pour in the wine and increase the heat to medium high, stirring and scraping to loosen any caramelized juices, until the liquid is mostly reduced, 5 to 8 minute Add the broth, toss in the tied herbs, and bring to a simmer.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper and simmer for 20 to 30 minute to infuse the broth with onion flavor; the onions should be soft but not falling apart. Remove the herb bundle and taste the soup for seasoning. If making ahead cool and refrigerated up to a few days.
• To serve -- Heat the oven to 350°F, put the baguette slices on a rack, and toast lightly (7 to 10 min.); set aside. Increase the oven temperature to 450°F Bring the soup back to a simmer.
• Set six ovenproof soup crocks on a heavy baking sheet and ladle the soup into the crocks. Float a few toasted baguette slices on top, enough to cover the soup surface without too much overlap. Top the bread with a handful (about 1/4 cup) of the grated Gruyère. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and just browning in spots, 10 to 12 minute.
• Melted, bubbly, just barely golden cheese is what you're after. Serve the soup right away, while the crock is hot and the cheese is still gooey.

COMFORT FRENCH ONION SOUP

Steps:

• Saute onions in butter until limp.
• Add flour, salt, pepper, garlic & sugar.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes.
• Add parsley flakes, thyme, beef stock, chicken stock& wine.
• Simmer for 45 minutes.
• Add Cognac.
• Toast French bread & place in the bottom of ovenproof soup bowls.
• Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.
• Ladle soup into bowls.
• Top with Mozzarella cheese (thin slice or grated).
• Place under broiler until cheese melts & soup bubbles.