Description
Lazy French Onion Soup is a simplified version of the traditional French onion soup. This classic dish is known for its sweet, caramelized onions, savory broth, and the signature melted cheese topping. Typically, French onion soup involves hours of preparation and slow-cooked onions, but with this lazy recipe, you can achieve similar flavors in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients
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4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
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1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to help caramelize the onions)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups low-sodium beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
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1/2 cup white wine (optional but adds depth of flavor)
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 bay leaf
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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4 slices of French baguette
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1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
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1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
To get started, heat your olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced onions. Stir occasionally and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the onions are soft and golden brown. For a faster caramelization, add 1 teaspoon of sugar to help the onions brown more quickly. Keep an eye on the onions to make sure they don’t burn.
Once the onions are caramelized and soft, add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well and cook for another minute or so, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and meld with the onions.
Now, pour in the white wine (if using) to deglaze the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine reduce for about 2-3 minutes. This step adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the soup.
Next, pour in your beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving.
While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Lay the slices of French baguette on a baking sheet and broil them for 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re golden and crispy.
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl of soup. Generously sprinkle with Gruyère and Parmesan cheese.
Carefully place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Be sure to watch the soup closely to prevent burning.
Finally, remove the bowls from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy your Lazy French Onion Soup with a side salad or just on its own for a comforting meal.
Notes
This easy twist on the classic French Onion Soup is perfect for cozy nights when you’re craving comfort but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Feel free to customize with your favorite cheese or add a splash of wine for extra depth. Bon appétit!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: Lazy French Onion Soup