French onion soup is a classic dish that is loved by many for its rich and comforting flavors. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and gooey melted cheese makes for a delicious and satisfying bowl of soup. If you’re looking for an easy condensed French onion soup recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste, look no further! Here’s a recipe that will have you enjoying a steaming bowl of this delightful soup in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Baguette slices
– Gruyere or Swiss cheese, grated
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown. This will take about 30 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and sugar, and cook for another 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat. Cook for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually add the beef broth and red wine, stirring constantly to incorporate. Add the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
5. While the soup is simmering, preheat your broiler. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl. Sprinkle generous amounts of grated cheese over the bread.
7. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Carefully remove the bowls from the broiler and let them cool slightly before serving. Be cautious as the bowls will be hot!
Now that you have the recipe for the best easy condensed French onion soup, let’s address some common questions about making this delicious dish.
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: While Gruyere or Swiss cheese are traditional choices for French onion soup, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or mozzarella if you prefer.
Q2: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A2: Yes! Simply substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth to make a vegetarian version of this soup.
Q3: Can I freeze the soup?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the soup without the bread and cheese. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator and follow the broiling instructions for the bread and cheese.
Q4: Can I use white wine instead of red wine?
A4: Red wine adds depth and richness to the soup, but you can use white wine if you prefer a lighter flavor.
Q5: Can I use pre-sliced onions?
A5: Yes, using pre-sliced onions can save you time and effort in the preparation process.
Q6: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A6: Yes, you can caramelize the onions in a skillet and then transfer them to a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q7: Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
A7: While French onion soup traditionally focuses on onions, you can add other vegetables like mushrooms or leeks for added flavor and texture.
With this easy condensed French onion soup recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy a bowl of this classic dish whenever the craving strikes. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or as an impressive starter for a dinner party, this soup is sure to be a hit.