Skip to main content

French Red Onion Soup

3.8

(24)

Image may contain Creme Ice Cream Cream Food and Dessert
French Red Onion SoupRomulo Yanes

In this redesigned French bistro classic, softened red onions join salty Manchego, and star anise gives the peppery broth a subtle undercurrent of sweetness.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    45 min

  • Yield

    Serves 4 (first course or light main course)

Ingredients

2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
2 whole star anise
6 black peppercorns
2 pounds red onions, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup dry red wine
4 (1-inch-thick) slices of baguette
2 cups coarsely grated Manchego or Gruyère (6 to 7 ounces)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring broth, water, spices, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil. Remove from heat and let steep 15 minutes.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, cook onions in oil with 1/4 teaspoon salt in a heavy medium pot over medium heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until deep golden, about 15 minutes. Add wine and boil, uncovered, until reduced to 2 tablespoons, about 1 minute.

    Step 3

    Strain broth through a sieve into onion mixture and briskly simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. Season with salt.

    Step 4

    Preheat broiler.

    Step 5

    Ladle soup into 4 ovenproof bowls set in a 4-sided sheet pan. Place baguette slices on top and sprinkle each with 1/2 cup cheese. Broil about 6 inches from heat until cheese is melted and bubbling, about 2 minutes.

Read More
Like Greek lemon potatoes and gochujang chicken stir-fry.
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Chicken breasts reach their full potential in this spicy, saucy stir-fry with blistered green beans.
Thinly sliced and cooked hot and fast, pork tenderloin is the juicy, cook-quicking weeknight champion of this vegetable-heavy stir-fry.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Add a bag of potato chips and you've got yourself a party.
Like fattoush salad and strawberry shortcake roll.