FRENCH ONION SOUP: THE COOK'S ILLUSTRATED WAY
I used to caramelize the onions on the stove top, but now I use this fantastic method. Finally, a way to make genuine French Onion Soup without all of the stirring. While it still takes quite some time, the onions are roasted in the oven. Sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, will make this recipe overly sweet, so use Yellow or Red, or a combo of both. Use broiler-safe crocks and keep the rim of the bowls 4 to 5 inches from the broiler to obtain a proper melting of the cheeses. Cooks Illustrated chefs prefer using Swanson Certified Organic Free Range Chicken Broth and Pacific Beef Broth, tho others will do fine as well. There is actually more flavor and depth in chicken broth than in beef and that is why they combine it with the beef broth. Much of the cooking time is passive...and the aroma makes the kitchen smell divine! For the best flavor, make the soup a day or 2 in advance, it also freezes well in 2 gallon freezer bags. Prep time includes the soup and the croutons. Cooking time is approximate, please use your judgment. I make this every Christmas Eve along with appetizers and those that missed Christmas Eve INSIST on having a bowl on Christmas morning! LOL It truly is the best French Onion Soup I have ever tasted. For those special occasions, try this one. Hope you enjoy!
Provided by Scoutie
Time 5h35m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- For the soup:.
- Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 400°. Generously spray inside of heavy-bottomed large (at least 7-quart) Dutch oven with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place butter in pot and add onions and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, covered, 1 hour (onions will be moist and slightly reduced in volume).
- Remove pot from oven and stir onions, scraping bottom and sides of pot. Return pot to oven with lid slightly ajar and continue to cook until onions are very soft and golden brown, 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours longer, stirring onions and scraping bottom and sides of pot after 1 hour.
- Carefully remove pot from oven and place over medium-high heat.
- Using oven mitts to handle pot, cook onions, stirring frequently and scraping bottom and sides of pot, until liquid evaporates and onions brown, 15 to 20 minutes, reducing heat to medium if onions are browning too quickly.
- Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until pot bottom is coated with dark crust, 6 to 8 minutes, adjusting heat as necessary. (Scrape any fond that collects on spoon back into onions.)
- Stir in 1/4 cup water, scraping pot bottom to loosen crust, and cook until water evaporates and pot bottom has formed another dark crust, 6 to 8 minutes.
- Repeat process of deglazing 2 or 3 more times, until onions are very dark brown.
- Stir in wine and balsamic vinegar, stirring frequently, until wine evaporates, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in broths, 2 cups water, the thyme, bay leaf and parsley (tied with twine or wrapped in cheese cloth for easy removal from pot) and 1/2 teaspoon salt, scraping up any final bits of browned crust on bottom and sides of pot.
- Increase heat to high and bring to simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes. Remove and discard herbs, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For the croutons: While soup simmers, arrange baguette slices in single layer on baking sheet and bake in 400-degree oven until bread is dry, crisp, and golden at edges, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
- To serve: Adjust oven rack 4 to 6 inches from broiler and heat broiler.
- Set heat-safe soup bowls or crocks on rimmed baking sheet and fill each with about 1 1/2 cups soup.
- Top each bowl with two toasted baguette slices (try not to overlap) and divide Swiss cheese slices, laying them in a single layer, if possible, on bread.
- Sprinkle each serving with about 2 tablespoons grated Asiago cheese and broil until well browned and bubbly, 7 to 10 minutes.
- If using regular soup bowls, broil the toasts and the cheese only and then place the toasts on top of the soup.
- Cool 5 minutes and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 727, Fat 16.1, SaturatedFat 8.7, Cholesterol 34.9, Sodium 1272.2, Carbohydrate 114.2, Fiber 6.7, Sugar 11.7, Protein 31.6
FRENCH ONION SOUP
Steps:
- Heat a heavy saucepan over moderate heat with the butter and oil. When the butter has melted, stir in the onions, cover, and cook slowly until tender and translucent, about 10 minutes. Blend in the salt and sugar, increase the heat to medium high, and let the onions brown, stirring frequently until they are a dark walnut color, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour and cook slowly, stirring, for another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool a moment, then whisk in 2 cups of hot stock. When well blended, bring to the simmer, adding the rest of the stock, Cognac, and wine. Cover loosely, and simmer very slowly 1 1/2 hours, adding a little water if the liquid reduces too much. Taste for seasoning
- Divide the soup among 4 ovenproof bowls. Arrange toast on top of soup and sprinkle generously with grated cheese. Place bowls on a cookie sheet and place under a preheated broiler until cheese melts and forms a crust over the tops of the bowls. Serve immediately.
FRENCH ONION SOUP FROM COOK'S (COOKS) THE NEW BEST RECIPES
A pretty easy version I found was doubly rewarding by using homemade broths/stocks, which isn't necessary, but I opted for them. Apparently, Cook's Illustrated has TWO versions of French Onion Soup and I didn't see this one posted. We really enjoyed this; it's one of my favorite soups, but when I order it out, I MUST have the cheese topping BURNT. Not brown, not even very dark brown.... BLACK. Invariably the chef gets nervous and lets it go out spotty medium brown and, because of the production I make when ordering, the waiter/ress knows it's not dark enough, so they apologize and bring it back to the kitchen before I even say anything. *lol* This is one of the messiest soups to eat because of the strinnnnngy stretchy cheese, but if it's burnt to a crispy, it's SO worth looking like an imbecile for! From: The New Best Recipes and America's Test Kitchens
Provided by Sandi From CA
Categories Onions
Time 1h30m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Melt the butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the slice onions and 1/2 teaspoon salt, stir to coat the onions thoroughly with butter.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are reduced and syrupy and the inside of the pot is coated with a very deep brown crust, 30 to 35 minutes. Adjust heat to ensure that onions and crust is browning, not burning.
- Stir in the chicken and beef broths, red wine, parsley, thyme and bay leaf, scraping the pot bottom with a wooden spoon to loosen the browned bits and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes, to blend the flavors.
- Remove and discard the herbs (parsley, thyme and bay leaf). Stir in the balsamic vinegar and
- Adjust an oven rack to the upper-middle position. Heat the broiler and optionally toast baguette slices. Remove and set aside.
- Set oven-safe crocks or bowls on a baking sheet.
- Fill each dish with soup, about 1 1/2 cups. Top each bowl with 2 baguette slices and cover with a single layer of the provolone or Swiss cheese. Sprinkle with about 2 Tbsp of the asiago.
- Broil until well browned and bubbly, about 10 minutes.
- Cool for 5 minutes and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 326.5, Fat 7.6, SaturatedFat 3.4, Cholesterol 10.2, Sodium 536.3, Carbohydrate 51.7, Fiber 3.6, Sugar 4.5, Protein 12.3
OUR FAVORITE FRENCH ONION SOUP
Buy the best beef broth you can, or better yet, make your own for a rich, full-flavored soup. And if you don't have ovenproof bowls or ramekins for the soup, don't worry-you can just top your soup with melty cheese toasts.
Provided by Rhoda Boone
Categories Soup/Stew Onion Kid-Friendly Lunch Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Frankenrecipe Small Plates
Yield Serves 4 as a main (or 6 as an appetizer)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a large Dutch oven or other large pot, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the oil and onions; cook onions are until softened, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Add the salt, pepper, and sugar; continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden brown and caramelized, reducing heat slightly if onions seem to be browning too quickly, 35 to 45 minutes more.
- Add wine and raise heat to high. Cook until almost all liquid has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Tie thyme and bay leaves into a bundle with twine. Add broth and herb bundle to pot with onions. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, until broth is thickened and flavorful, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Heat the broiler. Cut two 1/2-inch baguette slices for every serving of soup. Place baguette slices on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in oven until crisp and dry but not browned, about 1 minute per side. Rub one side of each toast with the garlic clove and set aside.
- Place ramekins or ovensafe bowls on a rimmed baking sheet, add 1/2 teaspoon of sherry to the bottom of each, and ladle soup on top. Top each serving of soup with two garlic-rubbed toasts. Divide cheese among the servings, covering the bread and some of the soup. Carefully transfer baking sheet to oven and broil until cheese is melted and bubbling, 4 to 8 minutes. (Alternatively, if using regular soup bowls: Top each garlic-rubbed toast with some cheese and return to broiler to melt, about 2 minutes more. Divide sherry and soup among bowls, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and top each serving with two cheese toasts.)
SPLIT PEA AND HAM SOUP - COOKS ILLUSTRATED
Another, simpler version of their Split Pea and Ham soup using a ham steak and bacon. Excellentl flavour!
Provided by Abby Girl
Categories Ham
Time 1h45m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat butter in large Dutch oven over medium high heat. When foaming subsides, add onion and 1/2 tsp salt; cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 3 - 4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add water, ham steak, bacon, green peas, thyme, and bay leaves. Increase heat to high and bring to simmer, stirring frequently to keep peas from sticking to bottom.
- Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until peas are tender but not falling apart, about 45 minutes.
- Remove ham steak, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and set aside. Stir in carrots and celery; continue to simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender and peas have almost completely broken down, about 30 minutes longer.
- When cool enough to handle, remove skin and shred ham into small pieces with two forks, Remove and discard thyme sprigs, bay leaves and bacon slices. Cut the fat off the bacon and chop into small pieces. Stir ham and bacon back into soup and return to simmer. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add a few shakes of hot sauce, if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 423.4, Fat 9.8, SaturatedFat 4.3, Cholesterol 47, Sodium 1068.3, Carbohydrate 50.5, Fiber 20.4, Sugar 8.2, Protein 34.5
CHEESY FRENCH BREAD ONION SOUP
Make and share this Cheesy French Bread Onion Soup recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Kirstin in the Couv
Categories Meat
Time 1h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In large Dutch oven over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add onions and sugar.
- Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes or until onions are tender but not colored.
- Uncover pan, increase heat slightly and continue to cook, stirring regularly until onions are rich caramel colour (10 to 15 minutes) DO NOT LET ONIONS BURN.
- Stir in flour until well blended.
- Gradually add wine; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens.
- Stir in beef broth and pepper; bring to boil.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer 15 minutes.
- Ladle soup into 6, 1-1/2 cup oven proof bowls.
- Top each with bread slice; sprinkle with swiss cheese and parmesan cheeses and paprika.
- Place bowls on jelly roll pan.
- Broil until cheese melts and bubbles.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 427.9, Fat 21.1, SaturatedFat 13.1, Cholesterol 60.8, Sodium 1029.8, Carbohydrate 33.4, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 7.1, Protein 19.9
CREAMLESS CREAMY TOMATO SOUP(COOK'S ILLUSTRATED)
If half of the soup fills your blender by more than two-thirds, process the soup in three batches. You can also use an immersion blender to process the soup directly in the pot. For an even smoother soup, pass the pureed mixture through a fine-mesh strainer before stirring in the chicken broth in step 2.
Provided by Coppercloud
Categories Vegetable
Time 15m
Yield 1 pot, 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomatoes and their juice. Using a potato masher, mash until no pieces bigger than 2 inches remain. Stir in sugar and bread; bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until bread is completely saturated and starts to break down, about 5 minutes. Remove bay leaf and discard.
- Transfer half of soup to a blender, add 1tablespoon olive oil and process until soup is smooth and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. Be extra careful when putting hot liquids in the blender. Never fill past 2/3 of the way full, and put a dish towel over the top just in case to protect your hands from getting burned by any hot liquid splashing up. Transfer to a large bowl and repeat with remaining soup and oil.
- Rinse out Dutch oven and return soup to pot. Stir in chicken broth and brandy. Return soup to a boil and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle each portion with pepper and chives and drizzle with olive oil. Serve (of course) with grilled cheese sandwiches.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 196.4, Fat 10.3, SaturatedFat 1.5, Sodium 705.8, Carbohydrate 23.1, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 10.2, Protein 5.2
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