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Zuppa di Cipolle alla Francese

Zuppa di Cipolle alla Francese

Quick Meal Facts Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 30 minutes, Time to Stand: 5 minutes, Total Time: 45 minutes, Ease of Cooking: Easy, Servings: 4, Calories: Approximately 300 per serving, Cost of Ingredients: $15 - $20 (depending on local prices), Cuisine: Italian, Course: Appetizer or Main Dish.
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Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, ladle, oven-safe bowls, and a broiler.

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients For the Soup:
  • 4 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups beef or vegetable broth homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup dry white wine optional, can substitute with more broth
  • 1 teaspoon sugar to help with caramelization
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • For the Topping:
  • 4 slices of crusty bread like baguette or ciabatta
  • 1 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a lighter option

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
  • Heat the Butter and Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the pot. Stir them well to coat in the butter and oil.
  • Cook Slowly: Lower the heat to medium-low and let the onions cook slowly. Stir occasionally for about 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized. Add the sugar halfway through to help enhance the caramelization.
  • Step 2: Build the Flavor
  • Add Broth and Wine: Once the onions are caramelized, pour in the wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  • Add Broth and Seasonings: Add the broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for another 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Step 3: Prepare the Bread
  • Broil the Bread: Preheat your oven broiler. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip them and add the cheese on top. Broil for another 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Step 4: Serve
  • Ladle the Soup: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
  • Top with Bread: Place a cheesy bread slice on top of each bowl of soup.
  • Final Broil: Place the bowls under the broiler for a minute to melt the cheese further. Be careful as they will be very hot!