One of my favorite soups to order when I go out to dinner is French Onion Soup.
It is your favorite soup too?
When I was in college I had the privilege of traveling abroad. On one of my trips, some friends and I splurged and had dinner in a lovely restaurant on the Seine River in Paris, France, not far from the Notre Dame Cathedral. And, believe it or not, it was the very first time I had ever tasted French Onion Soup. Since then, I have tried different recipes in hopes that I could re-create the memory of those wonderful flavors. And this time, I think I got it.
This French Onion Soup was so delicious, that after a few bites I grabbed my camera to take a picture for you. Hence the quality of the photo. It was so good I wanted to immediately share it with you. Hopefully, the photo and recipe to follow will suffice.
Before I share the recipe, which I found online here, I should let you know one secret ingredient reason I believe my soup turned out so mouthwateringly delicious. Over the summer I purchased aged grass-fed beef at the farmers’ market, the best beef ever. One time I was there the farm lady also had bones for sale which I purchased. I roasted the bones in the oven and then put them in a pot with filtered water, onions, and celery, and let it simmer away on my stove for 48 hours. This homemade broth was the broth that I used for the soup. And I’m guessing it just might be the secret ingredient. The recipe calls for chicken stock too. So, you guessed it, I was able to use some of my own homemade chicken stock also.
French Onion Soup
Makes 4 generous servings.
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons Butter or Chicken Fat
- 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt (necessary to caramelize the onions)
- 4 Larger Onions
- 6 Cups/48 ounces Beef Broth
- 2 Cups/16 ounces Chicken Broth
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ Teaspoon Thyme leaves
- Sprinkling of parsley leaves
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 Tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
- 4 thick slices of French bread
- ½ or ¾ pound sliced Munster Cheese
Note: the original recipe called for ½ Cup Red Wine which I did not have, but it would be an excellent, though not necessary, addition, and for fresh herbs which I did not have available.
Directions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter or fat over medium heat. Add onions and stir frequently, so the onions do not get scorched, for 30 minutes or more, until the onions are caramelized and very droopy. While the onions are cooking, add the salt and thyme to the onions and stir.
- Add both beef and chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and parsley to the pot. (Wine may be added here if you wish.)
- Simmer for 20 minutes over medium heat or until bubbly. Reduce heat to low and add in vinegar and additional salt, and pepper if you like. Cover and let the mixture simmer on low while the bread is being prepared.
- Preheat the broiler. You may then toast your bread under the broiler. Or you may toast your bread in the toaster.
- Arrange 4 large oven safe bowls/crocks on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Remove the Bay Leaves from the soup. Fill each bowl 2/3 full with the soup. Place a slice of toasted bread on the soup and top with the Munster cheese divided between the 4 bowls.
- Place under the broiler for 5 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. The cheese will beautifully melt to the sides and create a crusty seal.
- Carefully remove the bowls and place on luncheon plates for easier serving.
- Bon appétit!
Is your mouth watering?
It transports me back to that dinner along the banks of the Seine River. And really I don’t remember too much other than the main course was beef and the beverage we were served came in an interesting bottle which I requested to take with me. And yes, I still have the bottle. The most memorable part of the meal was the soup. And that has stuck with me for a very long time. After dinner, my friends and I took a cruise down the Seine. That was memorable too. Maybe I’ll return to Paris someday. But, until then, I have found a recipe that evokes sweet and delicious memories of French Onion Soup.
Thank you for stopping by today.
I appreciate you and your sweet comments make my day.
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Wishing YOU an extraordinary day!
Diane
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Ohhh….I so wish I could indulge in this one. But it’s topped off with the very thing that makes the deliciousness explode. Darn wheat allergy…oh but the stock sounds lovely in and of itself! Might have to do that with the wonderful grass fed beef we have in this neck of the woods..Amana beef is some of the best on the planet, I think. It might be worth the try with that ‘fake’ bread…LOL…I’d still have the yummy soup and gooey cheese!
Wow what a loving cook you are. And how awesome to have that memory and experience to draw from.
*hugs*
Oh Mel…I think it would be wonderful without the bread. Seriously.
I do think the stock is key. The original recipe called for mostly chicken stock, but I had it in my mind that it needed to be beef. And the richness of your own beef stock is amazing. The remaining stock was like a luxurious gelatin when I took it out of the fridge. BTW….If I remember…homemade beef and chicken stock are both great for our bones and joints. It might help heal your leg, too. I make lots of soup with it…but sometimes I just heat some up and throw a bit of sea salt (I like Celtic Sea Salt) in the broth and enjoy it for a light lunch. It’s pretty satisfying. Though I know you don’t do the wheat…I had a few crackers and cheddar cheese with my broth yesterday. Yum.
Now…”loving cook”? You are too kind. 🙂
I have heard that people who are gluten sensitive maybe able to eat the ancient grains. Go to the Jovial website and do a bit of exploring. Let me know what you think! [hugs]
Sounds DELICIOUS!!! And I agree – your secret ingredient likely makes a HUGE difference 🙂 Definitely want to make some! Thanks for inspiring me!! ~ Hugs, Jennifer
Awww…thanks Jennifer!! I’m sure you might tweak it to be even better. If you prepare it…let me know! 🙂
Oh, that looks delicious. I have a cold…it would taste so good right now.
Balisha
Oh…I wish I could send you some right now. Hope you feel better really soon. 😉
We went out for a simple dinner tonight and i just had a simple salad…but at the next table a lady had ordered a lovely bowl of onion soup!
I’ve copied your recipe already! Merci!
Oh I hope you like it!!! Let me know!!
Blessings!
It looks delicious Diane. What a great opportunity to travel abroad when you were in college. Our daughter did that and learned so much. I am glad for her too.
Thanks Patty. 🙂 I am so grateful for that opportunity…it was truly worth the cost many times over.
it IS a favorite soup and this is the second French Onion Soup post I’ve seen in as many days! I most CERTAINLY am going to pick up whatever I need later to make some this weekend!
I’m certain you will enjoy this Debra! Let me know if you prepare it. 😀
Looks wonderful! I love French Onion Soup!
Oh thank you Linda. My husband didn’t think my impromptu photo looked too good. haha! But he looooooved the soup!
Blessings!
sound delicious!!
It is!! Thank you Daniela for stopping by! 😀
Hi~ Dropping by from Bouquet of Talent! What a wonderful soup! It has been way to long since I made this yummy soup! Definitely going to try this, asap:) Lynn H @ Turnips 2 Tangerines
Oh I hope you do try it, Lynn!
Thanks for popping by! Hope your new week is Extraordinary!
Hello Diane
I’m visiting from Claudia’s “A Favorite Thing and I’ too love French Onion Soup especially the authentic french recipe.
My daughter lives in France so I’ve had it there many times and like you I just had to have the right recipe.
It’s all about the stock and sweating the onions – I wish I could taste yours – it sounds delicious!
Shane ♥
Oh Shane….I think I do have lots to learn about making good soup and especially French cooking. But, I confess…it was delicious. Thanks for enjoying the thought of a steaming bowl with me. 🙂
This looks so good! Found you on A Favorite Thing and I would love to have you share this on The Creative HomeAcre Hop today!
http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/03/the-creative-homeacre-hop-5.html
Thank you Lisa Lynn and for your kind invitation, too!
I haven’t had French Onion soup in a long time! This recipe looks delicious!
Thanks so much for joining in this week.
xo
Claudia
I hope you like it. If you try it…let me know. 🙂
I love onion soup, too and this one sounds delicious! YUM!! Thank you so much for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent!! Always thrilled to have you party with us. Have a wonderful week. 🙂
Hugs
Kathy
Let me know if you try it Kathy! 🙂
Wishing you a blessed week!
Made me hungry!
Happy MOM!
Yay!!!
Thanks Hans!!!
nice composition in the photo and the soup sounds like a must to make.
Awww thanks!!! And yes…it is a must make!
Hope your weekend is extraordinary!
Sounds delicious! Isn’t it wonderful how a taste will take you back to a special memory? I love that we are created to experience that joy! I feel the same way with certain aromas which take me back to very specific childhood memories. Thanks for sharing at A New Creation!
Every year, in late March when the weather is particularly nice, I notice an aroma that takes me back to one of my foreign travels. “I love that we are created to experience that joy!” – Yes!! Our Creator did not miss a detail, did He?
Thanks for your sweet words!
This sounds fabulous! BTW – I have an iPad KIC Mount giveaway going on right now if you would like to come enter. http://eatcakefordinner.blogspot.com/2013/03/ipad-kic-mount-giveaway-and-review.html
It is!! Thanks for stopping by Jenn!!!
Hope your week is Extraordinary!
Sounds yummy. Happy MOM!
I’d also like to invite you to join Orange You Glad It’s Friday. It’s an Orange meme too and starting March 11, I will be hosting it at Life’s sweets and spices. Hope to see you there.
Thanks Maria….it sure is yummy!
Oh my…more orange!! Thanks for the invite!! I will add it to my list. But…for a much as I do love orange…I don’t seem to find myself creating or capturing it?
Hope your week is Extraordinary!
This sounds so lovely! I LOVE french onion soup. It is so comforting but I’ve never made it before. This recipe sounds so yummy. Thanks for sharing it at Silver Pennies Sundays!
This is very easy to make. I hope your give it a try!
Blessings!
My hubby’s favorite, thank’s for sharing your recipe!
Stopping by from Mandarin Orange Monday- hope you can stop by 🙂
It’s the best, Healy!!
Hope your week is extraordinary!!
Oh this looks yummy! I love French onion soup. Thank you for sharing it at What We Accomplished Wednesdays. Have a great weekend!
Hugs,
Deborah
Looks delicious, Diane! Thank you for sharing and have a marvelous weekend.
Blessings,
Sandi
Seriously the best ever, Sandi. I usually don’t post recipes…so you know it gotta be good. 🙂
Hope your weekend is Extraordinary!!
Wanted to comment on your recipe…I love french onion soup and just made some last week. The first time I ever made it I followed Julia Child’s recipe – it takes over two days to make. First you must bake the beef bones as well as chicken bones in the oven for several hours. Then you place in a pot and make the stock – something like 4-5 hours. Then you must cool the stock and the next day, you continue to make the soup (it does contain red wine as well as a small amount of brandy). I have only done this once, but it was probably the best soup I have ever made. Will use your recipe for my next batch and you really should try Gruyere or a good aged Swiss cheese on the top. Nice blog, will be visiting often.
Thanks for sharing this Michelle. 🙂 I guess I’m not far off from Julia then. Haha! I could be like her only in my dreams!
If you indeed try this, let me know what you think. I live in a tiny town and the last time I got Gruyere it was awful and I’m just not a fan of Swiss. I really should plan ahead and pick up some good cheese from a good supermarket. 🙂
The compliment is greatly appreciated.
May your weekend be extraordinary!
I am so jealous that you have been to Paris! That’s on my list of places to visit once I have children. But I’m so excited to try this french onion soup recipe! That is literally my FAVORITE SOUP OF ALL TIME! I look forward to making this version! Thanks Diane!
Kinsley…you just put a huge smile on my face. I too hope you can get to Paris. What an amazing place. I went as an art student and barely scratched the surface. I hope you enjoy the soup. Please let me know how it turns out for you.
Hope your weekend is Extraordinary!
This sounds marvelous and looks great! I LOVE French Onion Soup. I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy
It is. We’ve had it twice now and I can’t get enough of it. 😉
i think i’m going to make this for my French friend… she might appreciate it!
Let me know if you love it as much as I?