Things To Learn About French Onion Soup

The French love their onion soup. You can get yourself a bowl of this rustic soup at almost any restaurant in France. The soup is simple, delicious, and satisfying.

While onions have been made into soup at least as far back as ancient Rome, the French elevated this recipe into an art form. It was once a cheap way to feed the poor, as there was always a plentiful supply of onions. In fact, there is a legend that purports that onion soup was created by King Louis XV of France. The story goes that one night, he awoke hungry. All he could find were onions, butter, and champagne. Using his imagination, he chopped up the onions, cooked them in butter, and then added the champagne to make a broth.

In reality, onion soup probably originated with laborers in the Lyon silk industry. These workers would put in 18 hours a day weaving the silk and then screening it for the aristocracy. They were paid very little, so they would make what food they could afford. Since onions were cheap and plentiful, they were a common ingredient. In France, onion soup is known as soupe a l’oignon a la lyonnaise, in honor of the town of Lyon.

No matter how French onion soup really came to be, we are very lucky to enjoy it now. Onion soup is served at restaurants that range from simple diners to five star eateries. Everyone has their own twist on the classic. Some have a sweeter taste, others are more tangy. If you find a place that makes it your favorite way, make sure you remember whom they are.

French onion soup is also easy to make at home. The recipe really is not complicated at all. Pick out several fresh onions from your local market and you will be ready to start cooking. Choose several different varieties for more depth of flavor.

A simple French onion soup recipe is easy. Chop your onions into small bits. If onions make you cry, try chilling them in the refrigerator first until they are cold. The coldness keeps the sulfur compounds from ranging, as far so you will not be as likely to cry.

Add the cut up pieces of onion to a skillet with melted butter. Let the onions slowly cook over low heat, stirring occasionally. Take your time with this for the best results. Let them get golden brown and a bit sticky. In another pan heat up some beef broth. Add the onions, some wine, and other seasonings and let it all simmer together.

Ladle the soup into individual servings. Top each serving with toasted French bread and cheese. Make sure each bowl is ovenproof. Set the bowls on a baking sheet and place them beneath the broiler to melt the cheese. If your bowls are not oven proof, melt the cheese on the bread and then set it on top of the soup before serving.

You can find an authentic French onion soup recipe online and enjoy this meal in the comfort of your own home. Imagine the French peasants enjoying this soup after a hard day’s work in their farmhouse. The melted cheese drips down the side of the bowl and is eagerly scooped up with their spoon to get every drop.