French Onion Soup with Beef Coq Au Vins Savory Cousin
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get a craving for something seriously comforting? This french onion soup with beef is exactly that. Think sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, it tastes better than takeout any day.
Brief Overview
Classic french onion soup with beef gets a major upgrade. We're talking tender beef chuck in a rich, deeply flavored broth.
It's a hearty twist on a classic french recipe , perfect for a cold evening. This recipe is rated medium difficulty.
Get ready to spend about 4 to 4. 5 hours in the kitchen. This recipe makes 6 servings.
Main Benefits
This soup isn't just delicious. It's packed with protein from the beef. This hearty beef soup is perfect for a weekend dinner party or a cozy night in.
The long simmering time brings out the best flavors. Seriously, it's like a warm hug in a bowl!
Ingredients that Rock
- 2.5 lbs yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (like Burgundy or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 8 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6 thick slices baguette, about 1 inch thick
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded
How to Make French Onion Soup with Beef
First, you'll caramelize 2.5 lbs onions in butter and olive oil. Cook them low and slow for 1.5- 2 hours until they're beautifully golden.
Browning the 1 lb beef chuck in the pot follows. Deglaze the pot with 1/2 cup dry red wine, then simmer everything together with 8 cups beef broth for at least 1.
5 hours.
While the soup simmers, toast baguette slices. Then, ladle the soup into bowls, top with cheesy croutons, and broil until bubbly. The gruyere cheese recipes is so important for this recipe.
Why This Recipe Rocks
My Nan used to make a killer caramelized onion soup recipe . I've adapted that same recipe by adding delicious beef chuck recipe .
It's a showstopper, trust me. This dutch oven soup recipes is a crowd pleaser. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment: French Onion Soup with Beef, Simplified!
Okay, let's talk grub! You know I'm all about keeping things real. This recipe for french onion soup with beef isn't some fancy restaurant secret.
It's a hug in a bowl. We are doing the caramelized onion soup recipe
Main Ingredients: Beefing Up Tradition
Here's what you'll need, and how to spot the good stuff:
- Onions: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) of yellow onions, thinly sliced. Honestly, more is better. Don't be shy. The sweeter the better, like Vidalia.
- Butter: 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter. Real butter, not that spread stuff.
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30ml) . Use good quality olive oil to start with, as the base.
- Sugar: 1 tsp granulated sugar. Just a touch to help those onions caramelize beautifully.
- Thyme: 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Fresh is lovely if you have it.
- Red Wine: 1/2 cup (120ml) dry red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon works great. If you don't have it, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar plus 1/4 cup of water or extra beef broth soup recipes .
- Beef Broth: 8 cups (1.9 liters) beef broth. Low sodium is best, or homemade is even better!
- Beef Chuck: 1 lb (450g) beef chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes. Look for good marbling in the beef. That's where the flavor is at! Or try some other beef chuck recipe .
- Bay Leaves: 2 bay leaves. These add a subtle depth.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp . Adds a savory punch.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don't be afraid to season generously!
- Baguette: 6 thick slices, about 1 inch thick. Day-old is perfect!
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30ml) for the croutons.
- Gruyère Cheese: 6 oz (170g) shredded. The king of gruyere cheese recipes !
Seasoning Notes: The Aromatic Symphony
Thyme, bay leaves, and Worcestershire are the secret sauce. It really makes this hearty beef soup pop! Don't skip them.
And honestly, a pinch of red pepper flakes won't hurt if you like a little kick.
Equipment Needed: No Fancy Gadgets Here
You don't need a Michelin star kitchen for this french soup recipes .
- A large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot. Essential for simmering! This is one of my favorite dutch oven soup recipes .
- Baking sheet. For the croutons, obviously.
- 6 oven safe soup bowls or ramekins. Make sure they can handle the broiler heat! If you don't have oven safe bowls, you can skip the broiling step and just serve the soup with the cheesy croutons on top.
- The recipe is based on classic french recipes , and is a french onion soup variations .
Cooking Method: French Onion Soup with Beef - The Proper Way, Mate!
Right, let's talk about the cooking method for the best french onion soup with beef you'll ever make. Honestly, it's easier than doing a Sunday roast once you get the hang of it.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
This bit's crucial. It's all about that essential mise en place . Get everything chopped and measured before you even think about turning on the hob.
We need to slice 2.5 lbs of onions. Thinly, mind you. Chop 1 lb of beef chuck in to 1 inch cubes.
Shred 6 oz of Gruyère cheese. Get 6 slices of baguette ready.
Time saving tip? Chop those onions in advance. I sometimes do it the day before. Safety reminder: Careful with that knife, yeah? And don't cry too much over the onions. Goggles, anyone?
step-by-step: From Humble Veg to Hearty Beef Soup
- Caramelize those onions. This is where the magic happens. Melt 4 tbsp of butter and 2 tbsp olive oil in your Dutch oven soup recipes or heavy pot over medium low heat. Add the onions, plus 1 tsp of sugar and cook, stirring every so often, for about 1.5- 2 hours , until they're deeply golden and sweet. Don't rush this!
- Brown the beef chuck recipe . Take out the onions. Crank up the heat to medium high. Sear the beef cubes in the same pot, until they're brown on all sides. Season with salt and pepper.
- Deglaze that pot! Pour in 1/2 cup of red wine (Burgundy or Cabernet Sauvignon work a treat) and scrape up all those yummy browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Yummo!
- Simmer, simmer, simmer. Add 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 2 bay leaves. Return the onions and beef. Pour in 8 cups of beef broth soup recipes . Simmer for at least 1. 5 hours , or until the beef is really tender.
- Crouton time! Preheat the oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Brush 6 slices baguette with 2 tbsp olive oil. Toast on a baking sheet for 5- 7 minutes .
- Assemble and broil. Ladle the caramelized onion soup recipe into oven safe bowls. Top with a toasted baguette slice and a generous amount of that gruyere cheese recipe .
- Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2- 3 minutes . Keep a close watch.
- Serve immediately. After a little cool down time to prevent burning your face off, of course.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game
- Don't overcrowd the pot when searing the beef. Brown it in batches for best results.
- If you fancy some french onion soup variations , try a splash of sherry or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- The soup is even better the next day. Perfect for making ahead, then just add the crouton and cheese topping when you're ready to serve.
Making this recipe is like a warm hug from the inside out. It's such a classic french recipes. I remember making this for my first ever dinner party.
It was a hit !
Recipe Notes for Your Amazing French Onion Soup with Beef
Honestly, this french onion soup with beef is a real hug in a bowl. It's hearty, comforting, and surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it.
Let's dive into some tips to make your soup legendary. And don't worry if things don't go exactly to plan.
That's cooking, innit?
Serving Suggestions for French Onion Soup with Beef
This classic french recipe is perfect served piping hot. Ladle it into oven safe bowls and let the aroma fill the room.
For presentation, I love adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley on top of the cheesy crouton. It just makes it look that extra bit fancy, doesn't it?
Pair this hearty beef soup with a simple green salad. The freshness cuts through the richness of the soup, giving you a lovely balance.
A nice crusty bread is essential for soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth. As for drinks, a light bodied red wine like Pinot Noir would be fab!
Storage Tips: Keep the Flavors Alive
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This beef broth soup recipe tastes even better the next day, honestly. Once cooled, pop the soup in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Freezing is also an option, especially if you've made a big batch. Just be aware that the texture of the onions might change slightly.
For reheating, gently warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave. When reheating french onion soup with beef , I prefer to re-toast the bread and cheese separately to keep it nice and crispy.
French Onion Soup Variations: Make it Your Own
Feel like mixing things up? Go for it! For a vegetarian option , swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and skip the beef.
Add mushrooms for that umami flavor. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Experiment with different red wines for unique flavors. If you don't have gruyere cheese recipes , use Swiss cheese or a mix of mozzarella and parmesan.
There are many different french onion soup variations you can try!
Nutrition Basics of French Onion Soup with Beef
Okay, let's talk nutrition, real quick. This beef chuck recipe delivers a good dose of protein and is packed with flavor.
Onions are great for you, full of antioxidants and good stuff. The simplified nutrition information is roughly 550-650 calories, 40-50g of protein, 30-40g of fat, and 30-40g of carbohydrates per serving.
Remember, these are estimates.
Honestly, making this french onion soup with beef is such a rewarding experience. Don't be intimidated by the long cooking time for the caramelized onion soup recipe .
Just relax, put on some tunes, and enjoy the process. You'll end up with a dish that's not only delicious but also a testament to your patience and skill.
Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to getting those deeply caramelized onions for French onion soup with beef?
Patience, my friend, patience! The key is low and slow cooking. It can take up to 2 hours to achieve that perfect, deep golden brown color. Don't rush it, and stir frequently to prevent burning.
A little sugar helps kickstart the process, turning those humble onions into a sweet and savory sensation worthy of Prue Leith's approval!
Can I make French onion soup with beef ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, French onion soup with beef often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld. Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the croutons and cheese. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When ready to serve, simply reheat, add the croutons and cheese, and broil as directed.
I'm short on time. Can I speed up the process of making this French onion soup with beef?
While the long caramelization of the onions is key to the flavour, you could use a mandoline to thinly slice the onions, which helps them cook more quickly. You could also try using pre-cut beef stew meat to save on prep time. However, try not to skip any steps as this could impact the soup's overall flavour profile.
Remember, slow cooking is at the heart of this dish!
What's the best cheese to use for topping French onion soup with beef?
Traditionally, Gruyère is the go-to choice for its nutty and slightly earthy flavour and its excellent melting qualities. However, if you can't find Gruyère, Swiss cheese is a great substitute.
You could also use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for a similar, though slightly different, flavour profile.
Is there a vegetarian friendly version of French onion soup with beef?
You bet! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the beef and substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth. Adding some sautéed mushrooms enhances the umami flavour and provides a similar depth to the beef version. You might also consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra richness.
How do I store leftover French onion soup with beef?
To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best to store the soup separately from the croutons and cheese, as the croutons will become soggy in the soup if stored together.
When reheating, you can either microwave the soup or warm it on the stovetop.
French Onion Soup With Beef Coq Au Vins Savory C
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 600 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 5g |