Introduction:

Onion soup is a classic comfort food that’s both wholesome and delicious. To enjoy a scrumptious bowl of homemade onion soup, simply follow these 11 easy steps.

1. Gather your ingredients:

– 4 large onions (white or yellow), thinly sliced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 4 cups beef or vegetable broth

– 1/2 cup red or white wine (optional)

– 1 bay leaf

– Salt, to taste

– Pepper, to taste

– Olive oil or butter for sautéing onions

– Bread and grated cheese for toppings (optional)

2. Prepare the onions:

Peel the onions and thinly slice them using a sharp knife or mandolin slicer.

3. Heat the oil or butter:

In a large pot over medium heat, add some olive oil or butter ensuring enough quantity to coat the bottom of the pot.

4. Sauté the onions and garlic:

Add the sliced onions and minced garlic into the pot, stirring occasionally until they become soft and translucent.

5. Caramelize the onions:

Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook the onions for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become golden brown and caramelized. This slow-cooking process will bring out their natural sweetness.

6. Deglaze with wine (optional):

For an added depth of flavor, add half a cup of red or white wine to the pot and let it simmer for a few minutes until reduced by half. This will also help loosen any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

7. Add broth and seasonings:

Pour in your choice of broth—either beef or vegetable—into the pot along with bay leaf, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences.

8. Cook the soup:

Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-low heat and let it cook for about 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

9. Adjust seasonings:

Taste your simple onion soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

10. Prepare toppings (optional):

To add a finishing touch to your onion soup, toast slices of bread and top them with grated cheese. You can use any cheese of your choice—such as Gruyere, Swiss, or mozzarella.

11. Serve and enjoy:

Ladle the hot onion soup into bowls and place the cheesy toasted bread on top. Alternatively, you can place the bread directly into the soup bowls and sprinkle cheese on top before broiling for a few minutes to achieve a melted and bubbly cheese finish. Enjoy your homemade simple onion soup!