CLASSIC FRENCH ONION SOUP (WITHOUT BREAD)

Classic French Onion Soup (Without Bread)

A rich, gluten-free version of the beloved French classic.

Key Info:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Difficulty: Medium
• Dietary: Gluten-free, Low-carb adaptable

Equipment Needed:

• Large Dutch oven or stockpot
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Oven-safe soup bowls
• Ladle
• Alternative: Regular bowls + separate broiler-safe pan for cheese melting

Ingredients:

For the Base:

• 4 large yellow onions (about 1.5kg/3.3lbs), thinly sliced
• 60g/¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups (2L) beef broth (use vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• 240ml/1 cup red wine (optional)

Seasonings:

• 4 fresh thyme sprigs (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping:

• 200g/2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated (substitute with Swiss cheese)

Method:

1. Slice onions thinly and evenly (about 1/8 inch thick).
2. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Add onions and cook until deeply caramelized (40-45 minutes), stirring every 5-10 minutes.
   [Color should be deep golden brown, not black]

4. Add garlic, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in wine (if using), scrape the bottom of the pot.
   [Let reduce by half, about 5 minutes]
6. Add broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
   [Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer]

7. Simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes until slightly reduced.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Ladle into oven-safe bowls.

10. Top each bowl with a generous amount of cheese.
11. Broil on high until cheese is golden and bubbly (2-3 minutes).

Crucial Tips:

• Don’t rush the onion caramelization – it’s the foundation of flavor.
• Keep onion slices uniform for even cooking.
• Scrape the pot bottom frequently to prevent burning.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Storage & Scaling:

• Keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days (store cheese separately).
• Freezes well without cheese for up to 3 months.
• Recipe doubles easily – use a wider pot for proper onion caramelization.

Common Mistakes:

• Rushing the onion cooking process.
• Not deglazing the pot properly.
• Using pre-grated cheese (won’t melt as well).

Variations:

• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth.
• Keto: Skip wine, ensure broth has no added sugars.
• Extra-rich: Add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
• Dairy-free: Top with crispy fried onions instead of cheese.