Just the way you’ll like it
This quick and easy version of the French onion soup will keep you coming for more.
Onion soup is one of my favourite meals ever! It’s light but heart and so very delicious. While the traditional French recipe comes with baked cheese, this simple version serves as the base for numerous variations. We often have homemade sourdough or sourdough pancake strips on the side. If you’re in a rush, a sandwich loaf or other breads work just as well.
Frequently asked questions
Is onion soup mix gluten free?
My onion soup recipe is so simple, you won’t need any soup mix. Simply use gluten free flour and stock to make this recipe gluten free.
Can onion soup be frozen?
I wouldn’t freeze it, no. Once the onions have softened, freezing and re-heating them would turn this delicacy into not so pleasant looking mush.
When was French onion soup invented?
You might be surprised, but this yummy dish has been around for hundreds, potentially thousands of years. The first records of the French serving it in restaurants only reference the 18th century though.
What is the difference between onion soup and French onion soup?
A non-regionalized recipe can contain any type of onion and stock. Its French counterpart emphasises the exclusive use of brown onions and beef stock.
Why is onion soup good for you?
Onions are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and are known to fight cold-and flu symptoms. Using a large quantity in one recipe increases the healing benefits.
Tips and Tricks
- If you don’t have enough brown onions at home, use different coloured onions or leek instead.
- Butter gives the soup a smooth texture, which olive oil won’t be able to achieve.
- For a gluten free recipe, use gluten free flour and stock.
- For a vegan recipe, use vegan butter and stock.
Tools you may need
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Slicer to slice onions consistently thin
- Heavy base pot
- Wooden spoon
Optional ingredients
- Add some white wine before adding the stock
- Pieces of chicken go well with onion soup
- For a more filling vegetarian version, add potatoes
- A fancier addition could be pork chops
How to make onion soup from scratch
Onion soup is one of the easiest meals to make. Most likely you have all ingredients at home already.
First, slice 5 large brown onions into thin slices. You can mix it up by chopping a few into cubes.
Add butter to a heavy bottom pot or sauce pan.
On medium heat, melt the butter until it starts to foam.
Add your onions.
On medium heat and constant turning, coat the onions in butter until golden, about 20min.
Once your onions are golden, add your flour. Coat the onions evenly.
Add stock until the onions are just covered. Turn the heat to high.
Bring soup to a boil until the desired consistency has been achieved, about 4min.
Turn off heat and stir through 1 tsp balsamic vinegar.
Serve with cheesy sourdough bread or your side of choice.
Onion Soup For Busy Mums
Serves 4
Prep Time: 5 Minutes; Cook Time: 25 Minutes; Total Time: 30 Minutes
This onion soup recipe is just as delicious as the French delicacy. The variations give you more flexibility to whip this up in a whim.
Ingredients
- 5 large onions – ideally brown, but use red or white if you don’t have enough – thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1.5l beef stock
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a heavy bottom pot or sauce pan, melt the butter on medium heat until it starts to foam.
- Add the onions. Stirring constantly, allow the onions to become soft and translucent.
- After about 20 minutes the onions will start to turn golden. Add flour and coat the onions evenly.
- Once coated, add your stock until the onions are just covered and turn the heat to high. Let your soup simmer until the desired consistency is reached, about 4 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and stir balsamic vinegar through the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with cheesy sourdough or by itself
Notes
- While you will notice your brown onions turning golden, red onions tend to leave a brown film on the bottom of the pan. Look out for either before coating your onions with flour.
- For a vegan, vegetarian or gluten free recipe, simply substitute the listed ingredients for their dietary counterparts. Listed quantities remain.
- I like using a mixture of brown, red and white onions to add a little more colour to the plate.
Leave a Reply