We think you’ll adore this French onion soup recipe as much as we do here at Blacklightnews! This soup is a delicious and healthier spin on the classic dish. It’s perfect for those cold winter days when you need something warm and filling, and it’s packed with nutrients that will keep you healthy and energized.
French onion soup is not only a delicious wintertime dish, but it also provides several health benefits. One of the main ingredients in french onion soup, onions, are a great source of antioxidants. These help to boost the immune system by making it easier to fight off sicknesses like colds and viruses. In addition, quercetin—a compound found in onions—has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. French onion soups are also made with beef broth which is rich in minerals and vitamins essential for maintaining good immunity.
French onion soup is a dish with origins dating back to the time of ancient Rome, although it was given the name we know by today in France. This cuisine was initially only eaten by warriors, as it was believed that the hearty soup would fortify and give them energy for battle. However, shortly after it became apparent how delicious the dish was, French onion soup became popular among civilians too.
The French onion soup recipe as we know it today originated in the 20th century; however, this dish was a common sight in Parisian cafes during the 18th century for reasons other than what you might think. The reason for its popularity then had less to do with some secret ingredient that only french chefs knew about, and more because this easy meal required minimal ingredients from chefs—mainly onions, beef stock, and croutons. This dish, which is both low-cost and nutrient-dense, was the perfect meal to make given the abundance of onions during this time.
Our healthier take on the classic dish allows you to enjoy your favorite flavors without jeopardizing your health. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients for this French Onion Soup 🧅 🥣 recipe:
- 8-10 yellow or Vidalia onions
- Fresh or dry thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 15.5oz cans beef consommé
- 4 cups water (w/ beef and chicken knorr powder)
- Dry red wine
- 2 TBSP butter
- 1 TBSP sugar
- 1 baguette or French loaf
- Any melty cheese ( most popular for this soup is fontina, Gruyere or provolone.) I used mozzarella and parmesan.
Begin by slicing the onions into half moons and sautéing with 2 tablespoons of butter until translucent. Add in 1 tablespoon of sugar to caramelize the onions until they’re nice and brown, then pour in about a cup of red wine. Cook for 5 minutes or so.
Next, add in beef consommé and 4 cups of water to the pot. Add the beef and chicken powder to taste. Then, add in your desired amount of time and Bay leaves. Finally, pour in one more cup of wine. Let simmer for about 1 hour
For this recipe, you will need any thick bread (I prefer French bread or baguette). Slice the Bread into 1/2-inch pieces. Drizzle it with oil, and toast it. I like to take a fresh piece of garlic and rub it on the bread after it comes out of the oven for extra flavor 😋
Put soup into an oven-safe dish along with a piece of toast and top with cheese then broil until bubbly and golden brown.
Don’t forget using low-sodium beef broth or consommé is key to keeping the sodium levels down in your dish. You can add other seasonings to taste, so you’ll still enjoy the flavor without all of the salt. Lastly, remember that you can always put your own spin on classic winter dishes like this one by playing around with different ingredients and seasoning.
We love hearing how our readers make this dish their own in the comments below! This is a great and simple way to try out a classic French soup that everyone enjoys. Try it at home and let us know what you think!
Bon Appétit!
Happy cooking! 😊🍴🤩👌😁🥗
