Classic French Onion Soup

Often served gratinéed, the classic French onion soup is a delicious dish based on minced onions, beef stock and toasted bread. 

French onion soup has many myths surrounding its origins. King Louis XV was rumoured to have returned to his lodge after hunting for deer with his court during a party when he became hungry and raided his pantry, which was practically bare. He found only butter, champagne and a few onions, but he did not lose hope, and soon whipped up these simple ingredients to create the first classic French onion soup ever.

So, if Louis XV considered French onion soup a meal worthy of a king, then who are we to doubt his judgement?

To stay true to the classic French onion soup recipe, we recommend the following ingredients and instructions:

PREP TIME
10 mins

COOK TIME
70 mins

TOTAL TIME
80 mins

SERVINGS
4 servings

Ingredients

4 slices of thickly cut baguette
7 large red onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsps butter
9 cups beef stock
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
Sprinkling of Parmesan
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt

Instructions

STEP 01

In a 5-quart thick-bottomed pot, heat 2 tbsps of extra virgin olive oil on medium heat. Add the onions and toss them.

STEP 02

Cook the onions for about 15 minutes.

Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 2 tbsps of extra virgin olive oil and the butter and cook for about 20 minutes or less until the onions start to brown.

STEP 03

Sprinkle with 1 tsp of salt and 1 tsp of sugar. Continue to cook for about 15 minutes until the onions are completely caramelised. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute more.

STEP 04

Add the white wine to the pot and scrape up the browned bits on its bottom and sides, deglazing the pot as you go. 

STEP 05

Add the beef stock, thyme, and bay leaves. Cover the pot and bring to a simmer — lower the heat to maintain a low simmer. Let it cook for about 30 minutes.

STEP 06

Season to taste with black pepper and salt. Don't forget to discard the bay leaves. 

STEP 07

Divide into four soup bowls, put a baguette slice on each bowl and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

STEP 08

Toast in a broiler for 5 minutes, sprinkle freshly ground pepper and serve.

How to make a French onion soup with a twist

We have just seen how to make a classic and traditional French onion soup at home, but what about making a French onion consommé in your own kitchen?

Here's a video in which the famous chef Romain Avril shows you the secrets to turning this comfort food into an elegant appetiser.

Watch the video, get the full recipe, and have your onions, comté cheese and bread ready.