French Onion Short Rib Soup a Hearty Twist

French Onion Short Rib Soup A NextLevel Comfort Food
By Lucas Bennett

French Onion Short Rib Soup: A Hearty Twist on a Classic

Ever get that craving for something properly comforting? Me too! That's why I'm sharing this amazing french onion short rib soup . It’s not just soup; it’s a hug in a bowl.

This ain't your nan's French onion soup. We're talking a rich, caramelized onion soup with beef , taken to the next level.

Think melt-in-your mouth braised short ribs mingling with that classic, sweet onion flavour, topped with gooey Gruyère. Oh my gosh!

French Onion Soup Variations Galore

Classic French onion soup hails from France, obviously. But trust me, this beef short rib recipe takes that goodness and turbocharges it.

Its like a Sunday roast met French sophistication in a soup bowl. This recipe is French onion soup variations at their best!.

It’s a medium level recipe. Caramelizing onions takes time, and so does braising the short ribs. But honestly, it's mostly hands off time.

Give yourself about 4. 5 hours from start to finish. This recipe makes about 6 generous servings of comfort food.

Main Benefits of the French Onion Short Rib Soup

The top benefit? Besides pure happiness? Beef short rib recipe is packed with protein. Plus, it’s perfect for a chilly evening.

It's one of those hearty winter soup recipes that warms you from the inside out. This soup is special because it transforms simple ingredients into a complex and unforgettable flavour experience.

Slow cooker short rib soup version is also possible, but Dutch oven is the traditional way to make it.

Ready to dive in? First, let's round up our ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best French Onion Short Rib Soup

Right then, let's talk ingredients! For a proper french onion short rib soup , quality is key. Trust me, this isn't just any old beef broth soup recipe ; it's about creating a deeply satisfying experience.

This caramelized onion soup with beef needs the best bits and bobs.

Main Ingredients: What You Really Need

  • Beef Short Ribs: 3 lbs (1.36 kg). Look for well marbled short ribs. Marbling is your friend. It means flavour!
  • Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml) for searing. Nothing fancy, just a good quality olive oil will do.
  • Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped for the braise, plus 4 large , thinly sliced for the soup. Honestly, sweet onions work a treat too.
  • Carrots: 2 , chopped. Adds sweetness to the braise.
  • Celery: 2 stalks , chopped. Essential for depth.
  • Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Fresh is best.
  • Tomato Paste: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Adds richness and depth.
  • Dry Red Wine: 1 cup (240 ml). Something like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Don't use anything you wouldn't drink!
  • Beef Broth: 6 cups (1.4 Liters) for the braise, plus extra for the soup. Low sodium is preferred so you can control the salt. For a richer taste, you can use bone broth to make an amazing beef broth soup recipe .
  • Fresh Thyme: 2 sprigs . Adds a lovely herbal note.
  • Bay Leaf: 1 . Classic flavour.
  • Unsalted Butter: 2 tbsp (30 ml). For caramelizing the onions.
  • Granulated Sugar: 1 tsp . Helps the onions caramelize.
  • Dry Sherry or White Wine: 1/4 cup (60 ml). Optional, but adds a nice touch.
  • Baguette: 6 slices , 1 inch thick.
  • Gruyère Cheese: 4 oz (113g), grated. This is where the magic happens! You need Gruyere for the Gruyere croutons .
  • Salt and pepper to taste.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up a Bit

Thyme and bay leaf are essential here. They give that classic braised short rib soup flavour. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a bit of kick, if you're feeling brave.

Salt and pepper are a must, obviously. Don't be shy!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

  • A large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot is essential. This is great for Dutch oven soup recipes . It needs a lid for braising. You can make a slow cooker short rib soup but a dutch oven makes it taste better.
  • Large skillet for caramelizing onions.
  • Cutting board and a sharp knife. Common sense.
  • Ladle. For serving up the deliciousness.
  • Oven safe soup bowls. Crucial for that cheesy topping.

Don't be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on this french onion short rib soup ! You can add mushrooms or other French onion soup variations .

It's all about making it your own and creating some seriously comfort food recipes .

French Onion Short Rib Soup: A Hearty Twist on a Classic

This isn't your nan's French onion soup , mate! We're talking next level comfort food recipes here. I'm talking incredibly tender, slow braised short ribs that melt in your mouth.

The rich beef broth, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey Gruyere croutons create a symphony of flavors. It's both comforting and sophisticated.

This beef short rib recipe takes inspiration from traditional French onion soup, but it adds a modern, hearty twist, perfect for a satisfying meal.

Honestly, it's dead easy and incredibly delicious!

Difficulty Level: Medium.

While the steps aren't difficult , this recipe requires patience. Caramelizing onions properly and braising short ribs take time. Trust me, the effort is worth it.

It's all about low and slow, like a good Sunday roast.

Prep Steps

Essential mise en place is key, yeah? Have everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. It'll save you time and stress.

  • Essential mise en place
  • Time saving organization tips
  • Safety reminders (if applicable)

Get Your Ducks in a Row

First, chop all your veggies. Then, get your 3 lbs (1.36 kg) bone-in beef short ribs ready to be seasoned.

This soup needs a little forward thinking. Trust me, being organized is where it's at. Also, remember to wash your hands properly before you start handling food, safety first, yeah?

step-by-step: From Short Ribs to Soul Warming Soup

Right, let's get cooking. Here's how to make this amazing braised short rib soup.

  • Numbered instructions (5-8 steps maximum)
  • Visual cues for doneness
  • Critical temperature points
  1. Sear those Ribs: Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Then, sear on all sides in your Dutch oven until nicely browned. It's all about that gorgeous color, innit? Remove from pot and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add 1 large chopped yellow onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot and sauté until softened. Then, stir in 4 minced cloves of garlic and 1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste , and cook for another minute. Oh my gosh, the aromas are already incredible!
  3. Deglaze and Braise: Deglaze the pot with 1 cup (240 ml) dry red wine , scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. That's where all the flavor lives! Add 6 cups (1.4 Liters) beef broth , 2 sprigs fresh thyme , 1 bay leaf , and the short ribs back to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then cover and braise in a 325° F ( 160° C) oven for 3 hours , or until the short ribs are very tender.
  4. Shred the Meat: Remove the short ribs from the pot. Shred the meat using two forks and set aside. Strain the braising liquid through a fine mesh sieve, discarding the solids. Reserve the beef broth soup recipe .
  5. Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter and 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil over medium low heat. Add 4 thinly sliced large yellow onions and 1 tsp granulated sugar . Cook, stirring occasionally, for 45- 60 minutes , or until deeply caramelized. This is the key, don't rush it! Honestly, low and slow is where it's at.
  6. Assemble and Bake: Divide the shredded short rib meat evenly among oven safe soup bowls. Ladle the soup over the meat. Top each bowl with a baguette slice and cover generously with 4 oz (113g) grated Gruyère cheese .
  7. Broil: Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the croutons are golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning!

Ace Tips for a Next Level Soup

Here are a few tricks I've learned over the years making this bad boy:

  • Pro Tips
  • Common mistakes to avoid
  • make-ahead options (if applicable)

  • Low and Slow wins: For the best caramelized onion soup with beef , don't rush the onions. Patience is your friend.

  • Use Proper Broth: The soup's base is the broth, so use a good quality beef broth soup recipe .
  • make-ahead : Braising the short ribs a day in advance can actually improve the flavor. Just chill the meat in the braising liquid overnight.

And that's it! So you are ready to dig into your bowl, enjoying the fruits of your labor in this hearty winter soup recipes served from a Dutch oven soup recipes .

This french onion short rib soup is seriously a winner, mate. Perfect for impressing your mates or just treating yourself to some proper comfort food.

Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Right then, let's talk shop about this unbelievably tasty french onion short rib soup . It's more than just a beef broth soup recipe .

It's a hug in a bowl! Honestly, the secret's in the details. I've tweaked it over time and learned a few things along the way.

Serving It Up Right

Plating and Presentation Ideas: Forget fancy, just make it look inviting. Ladle that braised short rib soup into oven safe bowls.

Make sure each one gets a fair share of the beef and onions. The Gruyere croutons are non-negotiable! Don't be shy with the cheese pile it high!

Complementary Sides or Beverages: I love a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. It cuts through the richness of the soup.

Crusty bread is a must, of course, for soaking up all that gorgeous broth. And a glass of the same red wine you used for the beef short rib recipe ? Sorted!

Storing the Goodness

Refrigeration Guidelines: If you have leftovers which is a big if let the soup cool completely before popping it in the fridge.

It'll keep for up to 3 days. This is a great thing about Dutch oven soup recipes .

Freezing Options (if applicable): This soup freezes brilliantly! Pack it into freezer safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

That means you could make a slow cooker short rib soup batch on Sunday and have perfect lunch all the week.

Reheating Instructions: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the stovetop method is best for keeping the flavors intact.

Playing Around with Flavors

1-2 Dietary Adaptations: Need a gluten-free French onion soup variations ? Easy! Just use gluten-free baguette slices for the croutons.

For a touch of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while caramelizing the onions.

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the autumn, adding a bit of butternut squash or sweet potato can really enhance the hearty winter soup recipes . It adds a touch of sweetness and warmth.

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Simplified Nutrition Information: Okay, full disclosure, this soup is a treat , not a health food. Each serving is roughly 650 calories with 45g of protein, 40g of fat and 30g of carbs.

Key Health Benefits: The protein from the beef short ribs is great for muscle building. Plus, onions are packed with antioxidants.

Don't forget the mental health boost that comfort food recipes give. Especially if you get a caramelized onion soup with beef in a cold winter night!.

So there you have it! A few extra tips to help you nail this french onion short rib soup . Get stuck in, don't be afraid to experiment, and most importantly, have fun! You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Crikey! Can I make this french onion short rib soup ahead of time?

You betcha! In fact, this french onion short rib soup is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Prepare the soup up to the point of broiling the cheese, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply top with the baguette and cheese, then broil as directed.

Just like a good cuppa, it needs time to brew!

Is there a good substitute for the dry sherry in this french onion short rib soup recipe? I'm all out!

No worries, mate! If you're missing the sherry, a dry white wine will work just fine. Alternatively, you could add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar tang and depth of flavor just a little bit will do the trick! Think of it like a little bit of lemon juice to brighten the flavour of your tea.

What's the best way to store leftover french onion short rib soup?

Leftover soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. Keep in mind the crouton might get soggy during storage, so if possible, store the croutons and soup separately and assemble just before reheating.

It's like keeping your biscuits dry until you're ready to dunk 'em in your tea!

Can I freeze french onion short rib soup?

You can indeed freeze this soup, but be mindful of the croutons and cheese. It's best to freeze the soup base without the bread and cheese topping. Once thawed, you can reheat the soup, add fresh croutons and cheese, and then broil as per the recipe. It’s all about that lovely fresh bread and cheese pull!

I'm a vegetarian, could I adapt this recipe to make a vegetarian french onion soup without the short ribs?

Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe by replacing the short ribs with hearty mushrooms, like cremini or portobello. Sauté the mushrooms with the onions and follow the rest of the recipe as directed.

You could even add a dash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to amp up the umami for a more beefy flavour almost like a Sunday roast but without the meat!

French Onion Short Rib Soup A Hearty Twist

French Onion Short Rib Soup A NextLevel Comfort Food Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:30 Mins
Cooking time:240 Mins
Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories650
Fat40g
Fiber30g

Recipe Info:

CategorySoup
CuisineFrench

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