Classic French Onion Soup Recipe

French onion soup.

French onion soup.

My final Thanksgiving leftover was several sprigs of fresh thyme. I became a woman on mission to find a use for these flavorful herbs. In searching through my favorite recipe binder I found this one for French onion soup. Do you remember earthenware bowls of French onion soup served in restaurants topped with beautifully melted cheese and gooey bits dripping down the sides of the bowl? While those gooey cheesey days are behind me, a steaming bowl of onion soup with some bread and grated cheese would be a perfect accompaniment to a fall dinner (and a wonderful lunch the next day). My challenge was two-fold: use the remaining thyme and make my first post-Thanksgiving meal that wasn’t super-sized to feed a crowd.

Empty-Nester French Onion Soup

4 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound sweet onions, halved and thinly cut lengthwise (approx. 3 medium onions)
• 3 to 5 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 cup water
• 2 1/2-inch-thick slice of challah or ciabatta bread cut in half
• 1 cup grated Swiss Gruyère cheese

Sauteing onions and thyme.

Sauteing onions and thyme.

Preparation

1. In a heavy 5-quart pot melt the butter over low heat. Add the onions, thyme, bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste and cook until the onions for 25 to 30 minutes until the onions are very soft, stirring occasionally.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the wine, increase the heat to medium, and let the wine simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add the beef stock and water, and let the soup simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toast the bread until golden.
4. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs from the soup and discard. Pour the soup into two ovenproof bowls, top soup with the toasted bread and sprinkle with grated cheese.

Source/Inspiration: Epicurious | February 2009

Did You Know: The ancient Greeks used thyme in their baths and burnt it as incense in their temples, believing that thyme was a source of courage.

It only looks like a pizza box! Inside are nutritious, delicious and affordable recipes designed for busy, new cooks - from Mama Says.

It only looks like a pizza box! Inside are nutritious, delicious and affordable recipes designed for busy, new cooks - from Mama Says.

Mama Says Reminder: Enjoy our recipes? Our Mama Says, “No More Frozen Pizza!” recipe collection was created to help busy people & new cooks make quick, thrifty & delicious dishes rather than ordering takeout.  This culinary companion is a wonderful gift for newlyweds, recent college grads, young professionals and those finding their way in the kitchen.  Special Offer: Order online (www.mamasays.us) by December 7, 2009 and receive free shipping with Promo code: holiday09.

Enjoyed this post? See these:

1. Quick and Easy in the microwave - Curried Cauliflower Apple Soup
2. A Thrifty Thursday Quick Veggie Soup
3. Quick and Delicious Guacamole

Tags: Mama Says great gift idea, onion soup, thyme

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 at 4:16 am and is filed under Our Favorite Things. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.