Whip up a cozy bowl of French onion soup for one, where caramelized onions meet bubbly cheese in a brothy embrace.
Craving the cozy comfort of French onion soup but cooking for one? You’ve struck culinary gold! Let’s dive into this bubbling cauldron of savory goodness with caramelized onions and melty cheese, perfectly portioned to warm your soul. Ready your spoon; we’re about to create magic in a bowl, and yes, you get all the juicy details.
French Onion Soup for One
Here’s a soup that’s so French it might just berate you for your pronunciation! French onion soup combines caramelized onions, a savory broth, and a topping of gooey, melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy evening in, it’s like a hug in a bowl—if a hug involved cheese and onions, of course.
- Cooking Method: Stove, Oven
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 slice of French baguette
- 1/4 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
Cooking Instructions
- In a medium pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to caramelize, about 20-25 minutes. Don’t rush—they need to reach a deep, golden-brown color!
- Toss in the minced garlic and sugar, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Fancy a dance? Give the wooden spoon a twirl!
- Deglaze the pot with white wine (if using), scraping up all the lovely browned bits, and cook until the wine is nearly evaporated, about 3 minutes.
- Add the beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 15 minutes. Your kitchen should now smell like a quaint Parisian bistro!
- Preheat your broiler. Toast the baguette slice until golden brown and crispy. Try not to eat it—yet!
- Ladle the soup into an oven-safe bowl, place the toasted baguette on top, and sprinkle generously with the Gruyère cheese.
- Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it; we’re aiming for ooey-gooey, not burnt marshmallow!
Suggestions
- Alternative Ingredients: Vegetarians can swap beef broth for vegetable broth. For a gluten-free option, skip the bread or sub with a gluten-free variety.
- Garnishing Options: Add a sprig of fresh thyme or a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for flair and an herbaceous note.
- Cooking Tips: Patience is a virtue—don’t rush the caramelization process. It unlocks those magical sweet notes in the onions!
