Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms the humble onion into a luxurious, soul-warming masterpiece! This French-inspired creamy onion soup is not just a recipe—it's an experience that will transport your taste buds to the cozy bistros of Paris. Crafted by the renowned culinary masters Sergio and Javier Torres, this soup promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary with its rich, golden-brown caramelized onions and velvety smooth cream base.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the onions by peeling and thinly slicing them using a sharp knife, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat, being careful not to brown it too quickly.
- Add the sliced onions to the pot, stirring gently to coat them evenly with butter. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, allowing the onions to caramelize and develop a rich golden-brown color, which will take approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the caramelized onions and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a light roux.
- Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and ensure smooth incorporation.
- Add thyme, salt, and pepper to the soup, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Increase heat to medium and bring the soup to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for 10-15 minutes to develop deeper flavors.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a smooth and luxurious texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot in individual bowls, accompanied by toasted crusty bread on the side.
Tips
- Patience is Key: The secret to exceptional caramelized onions is low and slow cooking. Don't rush the process—allow 25-30 minutes for the onions to develop their deep, sweet flavor.
- Slice Uniformly: Use a sharp knife to ensure all onion slices are of equal thickness. This guarantees even cooking and consistent caramelization.
- Choose the Right Pot: A heavy-bottomed pot is crucial for even heat distribution and preventing the onions from burning.
- Fresh Thyme Matters: If possible, use fresh thyme instead of dried for a more vibrant, aromatic flavor profile.
- Cream Temperature: Add cream slowly and at a low temperature to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky texture.
- Bread Pairing: Serve with crusty, toasted bread that can be dipped or floated on top of the soup for an authentic French experience.
- Make Ahead: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
