Cooking Lesson #725: Hank’s French Onion Soup

…from the Perspectives’ Kitchen

How you doin’? French onion soup is such a classic dish that most folks  tend to reserve it for restaurant outings—I do. It’s a must have at Hanks Fine Steaks and Martini’s at the Green Valley Casino in Henderson, Nevada. But if you think about it, this rich, savory soup made from buttery caramelized sweet onions, dry white wine, sherry and savory cooked beef broth is perfect for cozy winter nights. It is one of the ultimate comfort foods.
 
This is a one dish soup as the crusty French bread is built right in. Simply float a lightly toasted baguette slice over the soup, then top with nutty Gruyère cheese. To finish it off, place it under a broiler until the bread is golden brown and crispy, the cheese is melted and bubbly and beginning to brown. The soup essentially becomes a brothy dip for your cheese toast. I always make a little extra cheese toast for slurping up any remaining soup in the bottom of the bowl.
 
French onion soup’s depth of flavor lies in the caramelizing of the onions, which if done right, is a bit time consuming—45 minutes. Stir the onions occasionally to make the onions nice and golden. It’s really quite simple… it’s just a bit of stirring, simmering and ladling. Real basic stuff! I know you can do it. You’re not just sweating the onions; you are caramelizing them turning the sugars to a golden buttery brown.
 
French onion soup is a light lunch or dinner and great for a first course for entertaining. It’s the perfect starter for a Hank’s steak dinner. Plus, you can cook the soup ahead of time, and then slide everything under the broiler right before serving. That way the Gruyère is still bubbling when the bowls come to the table.
 
Prep time:  25 minutes
Cook time:  1 hour
Yield:  4 to 6 servings
 
Ingredients 
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 pounds large sweet yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced
3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste
6 cups beef stock (homemade or store bought)
1 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons dry sherry
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1 baguette, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1-1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
1 tablespoon chopped chives for garnish
 
Directions

1. In a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and 1/2 teaspoon salt, stir to combine, and cover. Cook until the onions are softened, 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Remove the lid and cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, 45 to 60 minutes. Yes, it takes that long to do it right. Reduce the heat if the onions are beginning to char.
3. In a medium size saucepan, warm the beef stock over low heat.
4. Once the onions are caramelized, add the white wine and sherry to the Dutch oven and bring to a boil.
5. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened.
6. Slowly add the warm broth, the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and black pepper.
7. Bring the soup to a boil and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
8. Correct the seasoning with salt and black pepper, if necessary.
9. Heat up the boiler.
10. Arrange the bowls or cups on a sheet pan.
11. Ladle the soup into the bowls or cups, top each with a slice of bread, and sprinkle a generous amount of Gruyère on top.
12. Carefully place the baking sheet on the top rack of the oven and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
13. Garnish with the chopped chives and serve piping hot immediately.

ChefSecret:  Use chives only—do not use the large spring green onions—they are not as sweet and flavorful as chives.

Quip of the Day:  An apple a day keeps the doctors away... an onion a day keeps everyone away.
-------------------------------------------
Do you have a question or comment?  Do you want to share a favorite recipe or pictures with our readers?  Send your thoughts to [email protected].  All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide.
-------------------------------------------
To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to  Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission and/or American Red Cross.
 
#Soup #FrenchOnionSoup #HanksFineSteaks #CaramelizedOnions #YellowOnions #FrenchBread #2024 #T2T #URM #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 
 
                                                                                  ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2024

---