Have you ever embarked on a quest for the ultimate comfort food? I often find myself on this journey. The search for the perfect comfort food is akin to the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans. Just when you believe you’ve discovered it, a fresh contender emerges, promptly sweeping you off your feet. In my case, the competition was won by the heartwarming Slow Cooker French Onion Soup.
Put aside those soulless, flavor-deficient canned varieties. A robust bowl of homemade French Onion Soup is like swaddling yourself in a snug, warm blanket on a frosty winter’s day. The savory broth, the sweet caramelized onions, and the melt-in-your-mouth, bubbly cheese… can you imagine anything more comforting?
The History Behind French Onion Soup
As the name hints, French Onion Soup has its roots in France. But were you aware that it has been a comfort food for centuries? This soup was a staple for both kings and commoners, touted as a hangover remedy and a way to utilize aged bread.
Although our version doesn’t involve stale bread, it certainly features a generous slice of crusty baguette, as tradition dictates. Contrary to popular belief, the star of the show isn’t the cheese or the bread, it’s the deeply caramelized onions that give this soup its signature flavor.
Why Opt for a Slow Cooker?
Slow cooking is a technique akin to a fine wine, it pays off those who are patient. It’s about embracing slow living, letting flavors blend and intensify over time. By opting for a slow cooker, the onions caramelize gradually and the flavors fully develop, resulting in an unmatched rich, savory broth.
Furthermore, a slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it. There’s no need to constantly hover over a hot stove, stirring. This recipe is ideal for those bustling days when you want to dish up a hearty meal but don’t have the luxury of time.
The Key to a Phenomenal French Onion Soup
The key to an astounding French Onion Soup resides in the onions. For this recipe, we’ll use a mix of yellow and white onions. Don’t hasten the caramelizing process; slow and steady wins the race here.
Then comes the broth. A high-quality beef broth is crucial for this recipe. It’s the backbone of your soup and could make or break the end result. Lastly, the cheese! We suggest Gruyere for its delightfully nutty, mildly sweet flavor.
Essential Ingredients
- 4 large yellow onions
- 4 large white onions
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 slices crusty baguette
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Peel and thinly slice onions.
- Combine onions, butter, sugar, and garlic in the slow cooker. Cook on high for 8 hours, until onions are deeply caramelized.
- Add the broth, wine, bay leaf, and thyme. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Prior to serving, toast the baguette slices and sprinkle with shredded Gruyere.
- Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden. Place on top of soup bowls and serve.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 14-16 hours
Health and Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g