Martha stewart’s french onion soup recipe involves caramelizing onions and simmering them with beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves before being topped with crusty bread and melted gruyere cheese. Martha stewart’s french onion soup recipe is the perfect comfort food for any chilly evening.
It is filled with savory onions, rich beef broth, and topped with a crispy layer of bread and melted gruyere cheese. Caramelizing the onions takes time and patience, but the end result is worth it. This recipe yields six servings, making it a great option for a cozy family dinner or a small gathering.
The soup can also be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve. Follow the step-by-step instructions carefully, and you’ll have a delicious bowl of french onion soup in no time!
Credit: tasty.co
Ingredients
French onion soup is a classic recipe that is always a crowd-pleaser, especially during the fall and winter months. If you’re looking for a recipe that is easy to follow and yields delicious results, martha stewart’s french onion soup recipe is the one for you.
Below is a breakdown of the key ingredients that you’ll need to make this soup, including tips and tricks to keep in mind.
Yellow Onions
Yellow onions are the star ingredient when it comes to french onion soup. You’ll need around 5-6 large onions for this recipe, each thinly sliced into half-moons. The onions will need to be cooked slowly over low heat for around 45 minutes until caramelized.
This process is crucial to develop the soup’s signature sweet and savory flavor.
Beef Broth
Beef broth is the base of the soup and adds richness and depth of flavor. You can use store-bought beef broth or make your own by simmering beef bones with vegetables, herbs, and water for several hours. If you’re using store-bought broth, be sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best taste.
Thyme
Thyme is a fragrant herb that pairs perfectly with the onions and beef broth in this recipe. Fresh thyme leaves should be chopped and added to the soup towards the end of cooking for an extra burst of flavor.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are another aromatic herb that add a subtle earthiness to the soup. They can be added at the beginning of the cooking process and removed before serving.
White Wine
White wine is a secret ingredient that adds a light acidity and complexity to the soup. You’ll need a dry white wine, such as sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. Be sure to choose a wine that you would also enjoy drinking, as the flavor will shine through in the finished dish.
Baguette
The baguette is a standard accompaniment to french onion soup. You’ll need toasting slices of baguette until slightly crisp, then float them on top of the soup before adding the cheese.
Gruyere Cheese
Gruyere cheese is a must-have when it comes to french onion soup. It’s a nutty, slightly sweet cheese that melts beautifully and adds a delicious finishing touch to the soup. You’ll need to grate the cheese and sprinkle it on top of the soup before broiling until melted and bubbly.
Make sure to follow the recipe closely and use high-quality ingredients for the best possible results. With these tips and tricks in mind, you’ll be able to make a delicious and comforting bowl of french onion soup that everyone will rave about.
Preparation
How To Properly Slice And Caramelize The Onions
To make martha stewart’s french onion soup recipe, the first step is to properly slice and caramelize the onions. Follow these steps for the perfect onions:
- Cut the onions vertically in half, then lay them flat side down and cut them into thin slices.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven, melt butter and add the sliced onions. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent.
- Lower the heat and continue cooking the onions for 40-50 minutes until caramelized. Stir occasionally and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
Tips For Making The Perfect Homemade Beef Broth
The key to a great french onion soup is the homemade beef broth. Here are some tips to make the perfect broth:
- Use beef bones with some meat still attached for richer flavor.
- Roast the bones and vegetables before adding to the pot.
- Cover the ingredients with cold water and slowly bring it to a simmer to allow flavors to develop.
- Add a bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaves, and parsley) to the broth for added flavour.
- Skim off the foam that rises to the top regularly for a clearer broth.
Adding The Right Amount Of Wine To Enhance Flavor
Wine is a key ingredient in this recipe. Use the following guidelines to get it right:
- Add a cup of red wine to the caramelized onions, and scrape up any bits stuck to the pot.
- Increase heat and bring the wine to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the wine has been reduced to half.
- The wine should be dry with minimal sweetness.
Prepping The Croutons For The Perfect Topping
Martha stewart’s french onion soup is famous for the croutons on top. Follow these steps to make irresistible croutons:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees fahrenheit.
- Cut baguette bread into half-inch pieces.
- Brush both sides with olive oil.
- Bake until the croutons are golden and crispy, about 15 minutes.
- Rub each crouton with a piece of garlic for an added zing before placing them in the soup.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to make the perfect french onion soup just like martha stewart. Delicious!
Cooking Process
Martha Stewart French Onion Soup Recipe: Cooking Process
Martha stewart’s french onion soup recipe is a classic dish that’s simple, warm, and comforting, perfect for those cold winter nights. The soup is made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and topped with croutons and melted cheese. Here’s how you can cook this delicious recipe to perfection.
Combining The Ingredients In A Large Pot:
- First, melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and salt, stirring occasionally until caramelized, around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Add the flour and stir to coat the onions. Pour in the beef broth, water, and thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove thyme sprigs and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Cooking The Soup To Perfection:
- To get the soup to the perfect consistency, be sure to let the onions caramelize slowly. This will give them a sweeter flavor and a more intense color.
- Don’t be in a hurry to let the soup simmer, as this will help develop its flavor. Also, be sure not to overcook the soup to avoid burn marks.
Assembling The Croutons And Cheese Topping:
- Cut the baguette diagonally into 1/2 inch slices. Brush each side with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Toast the bread slices under the broiler until golden brown, turning once, for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Take the slices out of the oven, then rub one side of each slice with a garlic clove.
- For each serving, place a few croutons on top of the soup and cover with cheese.
Broiling The Soup To Create A Delicious Crust:
- Place oven-safe soup bowls or crocks on a baking sheet. Ladle soup into the bowls, leaving room for croutons.
- Top each bowl with croutons and 1 cup of gruyere cheese.
- Broil in the oven on high for 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Remove the soup from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Now that you know how to cook martha stewart’s french onion soup recipe, it’s time to try it out for yourself. The combination of caramelized onions, savory broth, and crispy croutons is sure to impress your friends and family alike.
Serving And Pairing Suggestions
What To Serve With French Onion Soup
Martha stewart french onion soup is a hearty dish that can easily stand on its own as a meal. However, if you want to add a side dish to complement the soup, here are some ideas:
- Fresh, crusty bread: The bread is an essential pairing to french onion soup. You can serve it on the side or as a topper. Opt for rustic or sourdough bread. Toast it with butter to add flavor.
- Salad: A fresh salad can balance out the richness of the soup. You can make a simple salad with mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, and tomatoes. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasting vegetables can be a tasty and healthy side dish to go with the soup. Consider roasting carrots, asparagus, or broccoli. Season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Charcuterie board: If you want to make the meal even more elaborate, you can create a charcuterie board. Add some cheeses, cured meats, and crackers to the board.
The Best Beverages To Pair With This Hearty Dish
Finding the perfect pair for french onion soup can be tricky, but there are a few options worth trying:
- Red wine: Red wine is the most classic pairing for french onion soup. Look for medium- to full-bodied wines with earthy and fruity notes such as syrah, cabernet sauvignon or a pinot noir.
- Beer: If you are a beer lover, you can pair your soup with something dark and rich like a belgian dubbel or stout.
- Cider: If you prefer something lighter than beer or wine, you can opt for hard cider. It’s a great choice if you want a drink with some sweetness.
- Lemon water: If you want to cleanse your palate, you can sip on some lemon water. Simply add some lemon juice to a glass of water and enjoy!
How To Properly Garnish The Soup For An Appealing Presentation
A beautiful presentation can make your onion soup look even more appetizing. Here are some ideas for garnishing:
- Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons add texture and crunch to the soup. Sprinkle them on top of the soup before serving.
- Gruyere or swiss cheese: Melted cheese on top of the soup is the hallmark of french onion soup. Use a high-quality, grated cheese and put it under the broiler for a few minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Fresh thyme or parsley: Add some fresh herbs to the soup just before serving. Thyme and parsley are most commonly used.
- Extra sprinkle of black pepper: For a finishing touch, you can add a few twists of black pepper to each bowl.
Remember that garnishing can be an opportunity to add more flavor and interest to your dish, so use your creativity and experiment!
Frequently Asked Questions On Martha Stewart French Onion Soup Recipe
How Do I Make Martha Stewart French Onion Soup?
In a large pot, cook onions in butter until caramelized. Add broth and sherry and let simmer. Top with bread and cheese before broiling until bubbly.
What Type Of Onions Should I Use For This Recipe?
Yellow onions work best for this recipe because they become sweet and caramelized when cooked.
How Long Does It Take To Caramelize Onions?
It should take anywhere from 30-45 minutes to fully caramelize onions. Make sure to stir occasionally so they cook evenly.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
What Can I Serve With French Onion Soup?
This soup pairs well with a simple green salad and a crusty baguette topped with herb butter. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Overall, martha stewart’s french onion soup recipe is a delicious and classic dish that is perfect for chilly evenings or a comforting lunch. By following her simple yet precise instructions, anyone can create a mouth-watering soup that is sure to impress friends and family alike.
The key to success with this recipe is patience and attention to detail – taking the time to caramelize the onions properly and allowing the flavors to meld together in the pot. And with the added bonus of the cheese and bread topping, this soup is both hearty and satisfying.
Give it a try and experience the warmth and comfort of this timeless recipe for yourself. Bon appétit!