I’ve always associated the word “comfort” with the colder months. When I think of comfort, I imagine being wrapped in a thick, warm scarf and beanie or curled up on my couch, surrounded by fleece blankets and something warm in my hand (hot chocolate, tea, or soup!).
Warm, hearty soups have a way of making us feel at home and bring a level of warmth and comfort to any cold or wintry situation. I am all about cooking comfort food during the winter: chicken and dumplings, thick sauces, and soups. Nothing feels better than when a meal can stick to your bones to warm you up! My all time favorite soup is French onion soup. It is just a bowl of happiness.
Who doesn’t love the melty gooey cheese, and bread combination!? French onion soup always makes me happy during a cold winter day. I also love how when you spend an afternoon making soup, the house gets all warm and smells delicious!
Now this recipe is my Grandpa’s! My Grandpa Tim has mastered two recipes: French Onion Soup and French Toast! I am unsure if the French names are just a coincidence, but I am here for it!
I asked him to write up his recipe so I could have it for years to come, as well as share with y’all because I know French onion soup can look intimidating to make, but it is is super simple and quite yummy!
Grandpa’s French Onion Soup
Preparation Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes | Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 2 oz butter
- 2 lbs onions, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tsp sugar
- pinch salt and pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 7 cups brown stock
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
Croutes
- 12 x 1 inch slices of French bread
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 slices provolone cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325
- Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat
- Stir in onions and add sugar
- Cook, uncovered on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stir occasionally
- Sprinkle flour over onions and cook 2-3 minutes
- Pour in stock and stir.
- Add salt, pepper, thyme, and wine
- Simmer for another 30-40 minutes.
- Allow soup to simmer while preparing croutes
- Brush each side of the slices of bread with olive oil and place on baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, flip and bake another 15 minutes
To Serve:
- Ladle soup into individual bowls
- Place the croutes on top of the soup
- Place a slice of cheese, or 2 on top
- Put in oven and bake for 10-20 minutes, or until cheese has melted
- Brown under a preheated broiler, if desired
Are you a French onion soup fan??
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