When the weather turns crisp and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to ward off the chill. Enter the Caramelized Onion and Herb Soup – a dish that wraps you in comfort with every spoonful. This recipe, with its slow-cooked, rich flavors, is perfect for anyone looking to savor a truly special meal.
The Secret to Depth: Caramelizing 30 Onions
Yes, you read that right. This soup calls for 30 onions, but not just any onions. The use of a mix of four different varieties ensures that each spoonful is complex and layered in taste. From the sweetness of Vidalia to the pungency of red onions, the blend brings a symphony of flavors that only deepens as they caramelize.
The secret to achieving that rich, golden-brown perfection lies in patience. Slowly cooking the onions over low heat for about five hours allows their natural sugars to break down and create an unparalleled depth of flavor. This process transforms simple onions into an irresistible, jammy base that’s sweet, savory, and full-bodied.
A Splash of Elegance: Port and Sherry
Once the onions reach that coveted caramelized stage, it’s time to elevate the dish with a generous pour of port wine and sherry. These fortified wines bring a luxurious touch, adding warmth and a hint of sweetness to the soup. As the liquid simmers and reduces, the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind a rich and slightly fruity undertone that pairs beautifully with the deep flavor of the onions.
Building the Base: Beef Stock and Herbs
Next comes the beef stock, which enriches the soup with a robust, savory backbone. Simmered with a fresh bundle of thyme, the stock absorbs herbal notes that bring balance and earthiness to the dish. Letting the soup simmer for another hour ensures that all the flavors meld together harmoniously, creating a base that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
The Perfect Toppings: Croutons and Cheese
What’s a classic onion soup without its crowning glory? To complete this cozy bowl, slices of crusty bread are toasted to create homemade croutons. These provide the perfect vessel for the star topping – a generous layer of Emmental or Gruyere cheese. Once the cheese is melted to golden-bubbly perfection under the broiler, it creates an irresistible, gooey topping that stretches beautifully with every bite.
Serving Up Comfort
With the soup ready, it’s time to serve. Each bowl offers the comforting aroma of caramelized onions, herbs, and melted cheese, inviting you to savor every moment. The combination of the hearty, complex broth, crunchy croutons, and creamy cheese is sure to make this soup a go-to meal whenever you need a touch of indulgence.
Final Thoughts
This Caramelized Onion and Herb Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. The time and care it takes to prepare are well worth it when you taste that first spoonful. So, the next time you’re seeking comfort in a bowl, take the time to create this dish and let its flavors warm you from the inside out.
Caramelized Onion and Herb Soup
Description
Experience the rich, savory depths of caramelized onions perfectly balanced with herbs in this comforting soup. Topped with homemade croutons and melted cheese, it’s the ultimate cozy meal for any chilly day.
Ingredients
– 30 onions (a mix of 4 different varieties)
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 bottle (375 ml) port wine
– 1/2 bottle (375 ml) sherry
– 3 quarts beef stock
– 1 bundle fresh thyme
– Crusty bread for croutons
– Emmental or Gruyere cheese for topping
Instructions
1. Thinly slice the onions. In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelized, about 5 hours.
2. Increase the heat to medium and pour in the port wine and sherry. Allow the mixture to simmer until the alcohol reduces by half.
3. Add the beef stock and thyme bundle to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for another hour, allowing the flavors to blend.
4. While the soup is simmering, prepare the croutons. Cut the crusty bread into slices, lay them on a baking sheet, and toast in the oven until golden brown.
5. Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls, top each with a slice of toasted bread, and generously sprinkle with Emmental or Gruyere cheese.
6. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
7. Serve immediately, enjoying the combination of hearty soup and creamy cheese.