Recipe - French Onion Soup

On my list of favorite meals ever consumed is a bowl of French Onion Soup that graced my lips in a small cafe in Paris years ago. I've never forgotten it. It was the first time I had ever given the dish a chance (I mean the name doesn't exactly beckon a typical teenager to indulge), and I found myself in utter nirvana as I ate it. Granted, part of the love may have been due to the fact that I was dining on foreign soil as a free spirited college student, but the soup itself was undeniably delicious.

Our M.O. in sharing recipes on the site is to provide ideas for meals that are

1. Healthy

2. Easy

3. Economical

4. Family friendly (kids & adults alike will enjoy)

This recipe doesn't really fit that bill, but I made it tonight & found it absolutely delightful. It was a labor of love (read: time consuming), but sooo worth it.



French Onion Soup

1/4 c. olive oil (scant)
2 sweet onions sliced
2 red onions sliced
2 leaks (white stalks only) rinsed well & sliced
1/2-1 tsp sugar
1 cup dry red wine (I used cooking wine)
2 cloves garlic smashed
lots of fresh thyme (about 1/2 a package)
8 cups beef broth
1 bay leaf
fresh ground pepper
touch cayenne
kosher salt
1 tsp. chicken bouquet (optional - this is an herb blend)
1 loaf day old crusty artisan bread
shredded gruyere cheese

saute onions in oil until wilted (20-30 minutes)
add leaks & sugar, cook until caramelized (about 30 minutes)
deglaze pan with wine
add garlic & thyme, cook one minute
add broth, bay leaf, pepper, cayenne, salt (to taste) and chicken bouquet
cook 30 minutes
slice bread 1/4" thick & toast until it's very dry
ladle soup into ovenproof soup bowls & float bread on top
cover in cheese & broil 6 inches from broiler until cheese is melted.

The only issue I have with this recipe is that I had to Febreeze my hair after it marinated in onion fumes all day.

And come to think of it, 2 of my other favorite meals ever were partaken of in France. One simply ham & brie on a baguette at Claude Monet's home & the other calimari stew at the home of the nicest woman on planet Earth. Can I please go to France again and discover some more delectable culinary indulgences?!?!

Anyway, let me know if you attempt this soup and whatchyou think of it.

by dove