French Onion Soup For All
French onion soup really is French. Sitting down to bowl of this rich goodness is not only nutritious, it is a soup that can be found in restaurants all over France. This simple dish is rustic and delicious.
Onions have been a soup ingredient since the ancient Romans conquered Europe. The French, however have elevated onion soup into a work of art. Once a cheap way to fill the bellies of the poor, onions are still very cheap and easy to grow. Legend has it that King Louis XV himself came up with onion soup. Coming home empty handed from hunting, all he could find in the royal kitchens were onions, champagne, and butter. Chopping up the onions, he sauted them in butter and added the champagne, creating the illustrious dish we all enjoy today.
If you really want the truth, it probably started in Lyon with laborers in the silk industry. They would put in long 18-hour days in the factories weaving and screening the silk. They were paid little, so what they spent on food had to last them. Onions were cheap and easy to get, so they used them a lot. The soupe a l’oignon a la lyonnaise, as it is known in France, is named for their 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.
Of course, you can also make onion soup at home in your own kitchen. It really is not a complicated recipe at all. Choose some fresh onions from the farmer’s market or a local farm stand and you will be good to go. Blend different varieties if you wish for more flavor.
Learning how to make French onion soup is easy. Simply chop up your onions. To keep the onions’ sulfur from making you cry, put them in the refrigerator first and let them get very cold. This limits the range the sulfur compounds will travel.
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.
Taking the time to make your own onion soup recipe shows your family how much you care. This rustic dish has its origins in France. It was common fare on farms all over the country. This simple soup made of onions and beef broth has attained worldwide attention, as it deserves.
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