Vegetables
Onions
French Onion Soup
In the past, onion soup was food for poor people, as onions were plentiful and easy to grow. This French version of onion soup is more rich and originates in Paris, France in the 18th century. It is made from beef broth, and caramelized onions with French bread and grated cheese on the top and placed under broiler until cheese gets golden and bubbles.
Ingredients:
4 large sweet onions such as Vidalia or Maui
1/4 cup butter
4 cups beef broth (or bouillon)
1 to 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
You will also need:
1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 cup dry red wine
Salt and pepper to taste
French bread
Parmesan cheese, grated
Gruyere or Provolone cheese, shredded
Directions:
1. Peeled and chop onions into 1/4 inch pieces; set aside.
2. In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter. Add prepared onions and cook on medium heat until they are tender and golden brown (about 12 to 15 minutes).
3. Add celery salt, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to taste and continue to cook gently, stirring constantly, until they are caramelized to a deep golden brown (about 20 minutes).
4. Add the beef broth and wine, cover and simmer for another 20 to 25 minutes than taste and adjust the seasoning.
5. Cut French bread into thick slices and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Toast sprinkled side of the French bread slices and set aside.
6. Pour prepared soup into individual ovenproof bowls. Top with french bread, toasted side down and generously sprinkle with shredded Gruyere or Provolone cheese.
7. Place bowls under broiler and heat until cheese gets golden and bubbles. Serve immediately.
Makes 4 to 5 servings.
RomWell Cookbook
Discover delicious and easy recipes for entertaining...Did You Know?
When buying or storing onions, choose onions that are firm, have a crisp, dry skin and no sprouts. Onions that feel light for their size may already have started to rot inside.
You should store onions in a cool, dry well ventilated and dark place.
Onions are best chopped by hand, food processors will change their taste and texture.
Onions lose flavour very quickly, so chop them just before using.
