Description
Hearty French onion soup whispers countryside comfort with its rich, caramelized onion base and golden, cheese-topped crouton. Savory layers of deep flavor and rustic charm invite you to savor each spoonful of this classic French culinary embrace.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 head of garlic (10–12 cloves), peeled and minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
Dairy and Cream:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 egg yolks
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Supporting Ingredients and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices French baguette, toasted
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat a large pot over medium heat and pour of olive oil, creating a smooth cooking surface.
- Introduce finely chopped onions into the heated oil, gently sautéing for 5-6 minutes until they transform into a translucent, soft texture.
- Incorporate minced garlic into the softened onions, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until the kitchen fills with an aromatic fragrance and the garlic turns a delicate golden hue.
- Carefully add fresh thyme sprigs, rich chicken broth (about or 960 milliliters), and a single bay leaf to the pot, creating a robust flavor foundation.
- Season the liquid mixture with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Allow the liquid to reach a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer, letting the ingredients meld together for 15-20 minutes.
- In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks with heavy cream (or 120 milliliters) until smooth and fully integrated.
- Carefully temper the egg mixture by slowly introducing a ladle of hot soup while whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
- Remove the pot from heat and slowly stream the tempered egg cream into the soup, stirring consistently to create a velvety, slightly thickened consistency.
- Extract and discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs before serving.
- Ladle the creamy soup into warm serving bowls, topping each with a crisp, golden-toasted baguette slice.
- Optional: Enhance the presentation by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the soup.
Notes
- Tempering eggs is crucial to prevent curdling, ensuring a smooth, silky soup texture without scrambled egg bits.
- Slow simmering allows herbs and aromatics to release deep, complex flavors, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, comforting dish.
- Toasted baguette serves as a traditional French accompaniment, perfect for soaking up the creamy broth and adding delightful textural contrast.
- Low and gentle heat is key when combining cream and egg mixture to maintain the soup’s delicate, velvety consistency.
- Fresh herbs like parsley provide a bright, fresh finish that cuts through the soup’s richness and adds a vibrant visual appeal.
- Choosing high-quality, fresh ingredients like farm eggs and homemade broth will elevate this classic French comfort soup from good to extraordinary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg