Onion soup, French-style

January 1, 2014  •  Category:

Happy New Year 2014!

Wishing everyone a great 2014. (Hope PEACE will prevail)

We did not have the spectacular fireworks that Dubai exhibited this year; (from what I hear, it  was a Guiness World record) Nevertheless, it was joyful and peaceful; a bit irksome was hearing the firing of blank cartridges nearby, despite an official governmental warning against doing so…(hard to change ingrained habits I guess)


After the indulgences of the holidays, this soup is an easy one to put together, especially if you’ve got some bones laying around and a bottle of white wine to use up. 

INGREDIENTS: 4 to 6 servings

  • 1 lb lamb or beef bones or 3 cups of hearty beef bouillon
  • 2 lbs onions, sliced 
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or butter
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • salt, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 2 cups shredded cheese such as Swiss or Cheddar or Mozzarella
  • 1/2 loaf baguette-style bread or country-style bread

 

1. A couple of hours ahead: Make a good meat bouillon by browing the bones then adding 4 cups of tap water and simmering it slowly for a good hour or longer; add aromatics if you have some, a few peppercorns, a bay leaf, a sprig of thyme or a carrot. After one good hour and while the bouillon is simmering, heat the oil in a large pot,  fry the onions till browned and caramelized (adding a teaspoon of sugar can speed this operation a bit). 

2. Sprinkle the flour on the onions and cook it for a couple of minutes by stirring the onions and flour with a wooden spoon. Add the wine and the strained meat bouillon; add salt and pepper and let the soup simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes until thickened; taste and adjust seasoning. 

3. When almost ready to serve, toast the bread cut into slices; ladle the soup into bowls and place on top a large piece of toast and some cheese; microwave for a minute or two until the cheese melts; serve immediately. 

 

Comments

11 Comments  •  Comments Feed

  1. Laura@Silkroad says:

    Looks delicious, Joumana!

    Onion soup is one of our family favorites.

    I caramelize the onions for an extra bit of ummmm . . .

    Brilliant photo as well (as usual, I should say!)

  2. Susan says:

    This is just what I need on this cold, snowy day! I have several soup recipes on my kitchen counter to make in the next few weeks and this one is being added to the stack 🙂 Happy New Year, Joumana!

  3. sweffling says:

    Yum, this looks so good! Happy 2014 to you and yours. Although I like fireworks I regret the amount that are now used over New Year. These loud bangs are frightening for most beasts and many people.

  4. s says:

    Dear J – Happy New Year! I saw an article about this restaurant and it reminded of you and your lovely dishes xo
    http://zabadrestaurant.com/menubar.html

    • Joumana says:

      @Dear Shayma, happy new year to you as well! Hope the whole family will have a blessed 2014. I am surprised about this article, because I thought the restaurant had closed. Last time I was in that area, I did not see it; I went to their opening almost 2 years ago.

  5. Alicia (foodycat) says:

    Happy New Year Joumana! This onion soup is one of my husband’s favourites – I must make it again soon!

  6. Jamie says:

    This is such a wonderful version of French onion soup. I have been craving it lately, the warmth and the earthiness…. and now I must have some although in our home it is the Frenchman who makes it! Our New Year’s Eve was quiet, simple and intimate.

    Wishing you a year of peace, joy, good health and prosperity, dear Joumana xo

  7. Kathy says:

    Happy New Year, Joumana!! Wow…your onion soup looks divine!! I wish my husband ate onions, it’s the only reason I haven’t made this wonderful soup! Gorgeous photos!

  8. Oui, Chef says:

    Of all the French food I’ve cooked over the years, I have NEVER made a French Onion Soup….what’s wrong with me? Wishing you and your family a belated Happy Holidays, Joumana!

  9. Nuts about food says:

    Nothing better than French onion soup: great way to start the year. Happy New Year to you!

  10. Jessica says:

    We are freezing here in Canada, so I might be making this….and soon! It looks delicious.

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