Onion soup

Caramelized Onion Soup with Garlic and Cheese

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 75 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Introduction
Onion soup is a dish with a rich history, cherished over time for its intense flavor and velvety texture. It is a dish that combines the simplicity of ingredients with the refinement of taste, making it a favorite in many culinary cultures. This recipe I will share with you today has been lovingly adapted, inspired by a warm discussion with my colleagues, and was created to impress loved ones. So let’s get to work and bring a little magic to the kitchen!

Ingredients
- 4 large red onions
- 3 large yellow onions
- 2 liters of beef broth (or chicken/vegetable, as preferred)
- 50 g butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Dried sage leaves, to preference
- Bread (preferably ciabatta or baguette)
- 150 g grated smoked cheese (or parmesan/cheddar)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by chopping the onions. It is important to be patient at this step; the onion will be the base of your soup, and its quality will significantly influence the final taste. The red onion will add a touch of sweetness, while the yellow onion will provide depth. You can use a food processor to chop the onion, but I advise you to do it manually to appreciate the smell and texture.

2. Boiling the soup
Put the beef broth (or your choice) to boil in a large pot. Make sure it is a quality broth, as this will determine the final flavor of the soup.

3. Sautéing the onions
In a non-stick pot, add the olive oil and butter. Then, add the chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Cover the pot with a lid and let the onion sauté on low heat for about 30 minutes. It is essential to stir periodically to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The onion will become soft, wanting to caramelize – this is the secret to a truly delicious soup!

4. Adding flavors
After the onion has sautéed, remove the lid and pour in a ladle of hot broth. Add the crushed garlic and a few crushed sage leaves. These ingredients will bring a wonderful aroma. Let it simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors can meld.

5. Finishing the soup
Add the rest of the beef broth and let it boil for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary. The longer the soup simmers, the more intense the flavors will become.

6. Preparing the croutons
Cut the bread into slices about 2 cm thick. You can toast it in the oven or in a toaster until golden and crispy. These croutons will add texture to your soup.

7. Assembling
In deep bowls, pour the hot soup and add the croutons on top. Generously sprinkle the grated cheese. If the soup is hot, there is no need to put it in the oven, as the cheese will melt from the heat of the soup. However, if you want a golden crust, you can put the bowls in a preheated oven at 200°C for a few minutes.

Serving suggestions
For an extra burst of flavor, you can add some crispy bacon bits on top, giving a salty and crunchy note. This soup pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a dry white wine.

Nutritional information
This soup is rich in essential nutrients, thanks to the onions and garlic which are known for their antioxidant properties. It also contains protein from the beef broth and calcium from the cheese. A serving of onion soup contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use white onion instead of red onion? Yes, you can replace red onion with white onion, but the taste will be slightly different, having a less sweet flavor.
- Can I make the soup vegetarian? Sure! You can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omit the bacon.
- How can I store the soup for later consumption? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Personalized version
For a unique twist, you can experiment with different types of cheese or add spices like thyme or rosemary, which pair wonderfully with the flavors of onion and garlic.

This caramelized onion soup recipe is simple yet impactful. I encourage you to try it and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 4 red onions, 3 large onions, 2 liters of beef/chicken/vegetable broth, 50 butter, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 6 cloves of garlic, salt, pepper, sage (dried as I had), bread, grated smoked cheese/parmesan/cheddar

 Tags:  onion soup